Approximately 77 percent of women and 65 percent of men aged 75 or older have hypertension, or high blood pressure, according to the American Heart Association. Because hypertension has no symptoms, many people do not realize their blood pressure is high until it is diagnosed. Diuretics, or water pills, are generally the first type of medicine prescribed to treat high blood pressure. Beta blockers that slow the heart rate, calcium channel blockers and other drugs that relax the blood vessels are also commonly prescribed, says the health information website Family Doctor. For people who cannot tolerate medications or prefer to investigate a comprehensive treatment plan, alternatives to medications are available.
Lifestyle Modifications
Lifestyle changes are as important as medications in controlling blood pressure, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Obesity and high cholesterol are closely associated with hypertension, and maintaining a healthy weight and a moderate but regular exercise program are ways to control blood pressure levels. Excessive alcohol intake, coffee and cigarette smoking may temporarily increase blood pressure, but other factors such as diet and physical condition may influence the body's recovery rate. According to a study conducted at the University of Colorado Denver Health Sciences Center, people who consumed the equivalent of 2.5 fructose sweetened soft drinks per day were at a higher risk pf increased blood pressure.
Relaxation Therapies
Meditation and other forms of relaxation therapies, such as muscle relaxation and guided imagery, may help to reduce blood pressure levels when used regularly. Cognitive or talk therapy-alone or in combination with other therapies-that teach the patient to control anxiety may help to counteract the negative effects of the stress. Resperate is a Food and Drug Administration-approved device used to treat hypertension. The computerized device teaches users to to slow the their breathing by extending the sound of two tones synchronized to the inhale and the exhale. When used regularly, the over-the-counter device can help lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure, says Dr Sheldon Sheps of the Mayo Clinic.
DASH diet
A landmark study sponsored by the National Institutes of Health concluded that the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension, or DASH, diet reduces blood pressure as well as some drug therapies within two weeks of beginning the food plan. A second study that included a reduction in salt intake produced an optimum reduction in blood pressure levels. The DASH diet emphasizes an eating plan that includes fruits and vegetables, whole grains, nuts and beans and a minimum of sugar and processed foods. Limited portions of poultry and fish are encouraged for protein, and several daily servings of magnesium- and potassium-rich fruits and vegetables are recommended. For those who must remain on blood-pressure medications, the DASH diet appears to improve the effectiveness of those drugs.
