A normal blood pressure reading is one in which the first number, the systolic, is less than 120 mmHg and the second number, the diastolic, is below 80 mmHg. Stage I hypertension is defined as having a systolic reading of 140 to 159 mmHg or a diastolic pressure of 90 to 99 mmHg. Harvard Health Publications asserts that high blood pressure can be adequately controlled with proper treatment.
Eliminate Existing Risk Factors
Smoking cigarettes causes a temporary elevation in blood pressure. Avoiding tobacco products can lower blood pressure. Drinking alcohol raises blood pressure in some people and should be completely avoided. For others, FamilyDoctor.org recommends limiting alcoholic beverages to one per day for women and two per day for men. Stress reduction helps lower blood pressure in some people. A study reported by Harvard Health Publications found that over half the subjects who practiced relaxation techniques lowered their systolic pressure by more than 5 mmHg.
Treat Underlying Conditions
Some cases of hypertension have underlying causes. Diseases of the kidney, thyroid, or parathyroid glands can elevate blood pressure. If these conditions are treated, normal blood pressure can be restored. Some medications have a side effect of hypertension, and finding a replacement drug will often return blood pressure to normal. Sleep apnea leads to high blood pressure in some people, and can be treated so as to alleviate both conditions.
Increase Activity and Maintain Ideal Weight
Being overweight and being sedentary both contribute to hypertension. FamilyDoctor.org explains that exercise by itself can help lower blood pressure, and increased activity also promotes weight loss. The Cleveland Clinic Center for Continuing Education reports that losing just 10 to 12 pounds can reduce elevated blood pressure.
Modify Diet
The Cleveland Clinic Center for Continuing Education reports that dietary changes can significantly reduce blood pressure: Reducing sodium can lower systolic pressure by 2 to 8 mmHg and following the DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet can lower the systolic reading by 8 to 14 mmHg. The plan limits saturated fat, cholesterol and sodium. It encourages intake of fruits, vegetables and low-fat dairy products to increase consumption of fiber and minerals linked to lower blood pressure, namely potassium, calcium and magnesium. To lower dietary sodium intake, FamilyDoctor.org suggests people avoid added table salt and educate themselves on the sodium content of food by reading labels.
Prescribe Medication
For Stage I Hypertension, the Cleveland Clinic Center for Continuing Education cites a thiazide-type diuretic as the first drug of choice. Harvard Health Publications explains that diuretics help the kidneys rid the body of fluid and sodium, reducing the volume of blood so the heart has to pump less. Other medications include anti-adrenergics, which lower blood pressure by relaxing the blood vessels; direct-acting vasodilators, which work by relaxing the arteries; calcium-channel blockers, which work by dilating the blood vessels; and ACE inhibitors, which keep the kidneys from retaining as much sodium and water. According to FamilyDoctor.org, lifelong medication is usually necessary for patients who require drugs to control their blood pressure.
References
- Seventh Report of the Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure
- Harvard Health Publications: Medications for Treating Hypertension
- FamilyDoctor.org: High Blood Pressure: Thing You Can Do to Help Lower Yours
- Cleveland Clinic Center for Continuing Education Publication: Disease Management: "Hypertension"
- National Institute of Health: Your Guide to Lowering Blood Pressure with the DASH Eating Plan
