MayoClinic.com reports that high blood pressure, or hypertension, develops over time and eventually effects most people. When lifestyle changes and diet modifications are not effective at reducing blood pressure, doctors prescribe medications. Controlling serious hypertension is essential to health, as heart attack and stroke risks increase with high blood pressure. Talk to a doctor about which interventions are suitable for your particular case.
Diet Modification
Diet modification is the first step to reducing hypertension, and is often advised in conjunction with medications. Diet modifications include consuming plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables; limiting processed foods and reducing sodium intake to 1,500 mg daily; and avoiding alcohol and tobacco, as alcohol raises blood pressure and tobacco damages blood vessels and promotes hardening of the arteries. Overweight individuals should also focus on weight loss, which can make a significant difference. Losing as few as 5 lbs. can yield results, according to MayoClinic.com.
Stress Management
Stress is often inevitable. Individuals with severe hypertension can use coping techniques to diminish the effects of stress on the body. Deep breathing, exercise and proper sleep are basic steps. If stress is not manageable, severely hypertensive individuals should talk to a doctor about other interventions, such as professional counseling or anxiety medications.
Diuretics
Diuretics, or water pills, are typically the first choice in medications for hypertension. These drugs work by helping the body remove excess water and sodium to reduce the amount of fluid in the blood vessels, thereby lowering blood pressure.
Beta-blockers and Calcium Channel Blockers
Beta-blockers and calcium channel blockers are used alone or in combination with other drugs. Beta-blockers control serious hypertension by opening blood vessels, slowing the heart rate and easing the heart’s labor. Calcium channel blockers relax the constricted smooth muscles of the blood vessels to reduce high blood pressure in individuals with serious hypertension.
