Q. What is the treatment of hypertension?

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

Following lifestyle modifications for blood pressure control is recommended. The dietary approaches to stop hypertension (DASH) eating patterns should be preferred, such as:

1. Dietary Changes: The DASH diet suggests a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, high in potassium, magnesium, and calcium, and low in fats. Following this plan helps reduce systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Although the studies are not conclusive, moderate intake of dark chocolate may lower blood pressure. This is because it helps stabilize the inside of the blood vessels. Similarly, many studies propagate the advantages and benefits of diets rich in fructose for metabolic syndrome and hypertension.
2. Sodium Reduction: The recommended salt consumption for patients of hypertension and prehypertension is such that sodium should be less than 100 mEq per liter per day. A graded blood pressure response is usually found with a more significant blood pressure reduction with a lower salt consumption. Reduction in salt intake is essential in middle-aged to older adults who have family members with hypertension.
3. Reduce Alcohol Consumption: Reducing alcohol consumption may reduce blood pressure - systolic and diastolic. A graded blood pressure response is usually found with a more significant blood pressure reduction with lower alcohol consumption.
4. Exercise: It is clear that patients who exercise for at least 30 minutes or more daily, especially aerobic exercise, have reduced systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Aerobic exercise also helps reduce weight and cardiovascular risk overall. One of the biggest problems with an exercise regime is that people may start with a great interest. Patients need to find an exercise they enjoy to stick to the plan longer. Also, if one has no time to exercise, a brisk walk at lunch may help.
5. Weight Loss: The fat distribution around the abdomen may predispose to insulin resistance and hypertension. For reducing blood pressure, weight loss is an important step. A graded blood pressure response is usually found with a more significant blood pressure reduction with greater weight loss. Weight loss also helps reduce the risk of developing diabetes. Weight loss with a DASH diet results in improving the left ventricular mass. By this, it helps reduce the stress on the heart.
6. Smoking Cessation: Smoking cigarettes releases Nicotine. This raises blood pressure by stimulating the sympathetic nervous system. This releases norepinephrine and epinephrine that help raise the blood pressure. Complications of Hypertension, e.g., cardiovascular disease and stroke, increase in those who smoke.
7. Dietary Supplements: The confirmatory data is low, but vitamin C and omega-3 fatty acids may reduce blood pressure.
8. Stress Busters: Stress is a cause of high blood pressure. Therefore, a variety of stress busters help reduce blood pressure. This may include any relaxing technique, including music, books, meditation, etc. Meditation is an age-old, well-designed technique that helps lower blood pressure. Other benefits of meditation are well known. For all the above, many studies have been done periodically, and the standard guidelines, including JNC-7, also recommend these. Start following the above measures today and do benefit.

Consult a doctor before you stop the anti-hypertensive pills. You might need to continue the anti-hypertensive drugs before the above measures positively impact your body and reduce blood pressure.

I hope this information will help you.

Thanks.

Same symptoms doesn’t mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Saumya Mittal

Experience: 19 + Yrs

Internal Medicine

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