3 Ways to Manage Hypertensive Heart Disease

1. Lose Weight

Weight gain is often directly linked to an increase in hypertensive heart disease symptoms, in addition to a host of other medical conditions. Weight gain typically includes an increase in saturated fats and cholesterol in the system. Weight gain can also be caused by psychological issues, such as an increase in stress levels as a result of simply not feeling good about oneself. Tests and studies have shown that losing even just 10 pounds can have a marked effect on the presence of hypertensive heart disease or even help prevent possible future heart failure. Doctors will also recommend that obese patients, particularly those with the most severe heart disease, lose a considerable amount of weight in order to reverse the effects of the condition.

2. Improve Life Management

While hypertensive heart disease can develop as a result of poor diet and hereditary factors, often the condition develops as a result of psychological factors. Those with high stress jobs are twice as likely to develop hypertension and heart failure as those who work in a low stress environment. In addition, people who do not adequately manage the various aspects of their lives often find their stress levels dramatically increased, whether as a result of financial hardship or a difficult family situation. Dealing with stress can have a marked effect on those with elevated blood pressure. Doctors typically recommend life-changing measures, such as a change in employment, a reduction in stressful situations at home, and even lifestyle changes such adopting meditation, exercising regularly or changing your sleep cycle.

3. Use Medication

Hypertensive heart disease can often be managed using medication. Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) such as Cozaar and Diovan are used to reduce the risk of smaller blood vessels constricting. Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE) like Vasotec and Prinivil work by dilating your blood vessels to help reduce blood pressure. Beta-blockers such as Tenormin, Coreg and Lopressor work to reduce the levels of oxygen and blood required to keep your heart functioning, thereby reducing the strain placed on it, even during periods of increased activity.