Many factors can lead to hypertension, or high blood pressure, including increased stress that induces the blood vessels to narrow, causing blood pressure to rise, and intake of excess salt that can cause fluid retention which, in turn, places pressure on the blood vessels. Treatment for hypertension can include both reduction and preventive measures. There are many medicines, including diuretics, angiotension-converting enzyme inhibitors and beta-blockers, among other, that treat the condition in different ways, notes MayoClinic.com.
Medication
A person who has blood pressure higher than 120/80 commonly receives treatment with medication, the American Heart Association reports. Medications that treat blood pressure come under different classifications, such as ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers and angiotensin II receptor blockers. Diuretics help to remove excess fluid from the body, thus reducing the amount of blood pumping and relieving pressure. Physicians may use diuretics in combination with other blood pressure medicines to lower high blood pressure quicker.
Stress Reducers
Stress reducers include activities like taking a long walk or reading a book. Exercise, however, is one of the best stress-reducing techniques. It helps keep the blood pressure lower for hours. Breathing exercises and yoga are forms of low-key exercise that promote relaxation. The American Heart Association reports that making time each day for low-key exercise will help lower blood pressure significantly.
Regular Blood Pressure Checks
Keeping abreast of blood pressure levels gives a person control over the problem. Checking the blood pressure at home and keeping a chart of the results will help provide information for the doctor during the next visit. Many doctors encourage their patients to buy digital blood pressure cuffs to check their pressure at home. This enables doctors to see when the blood pressure increases as well as what activity the patient was doing at the time the blood pressure reading was taken, reports the American Heart Association.
Cardiovascular Exercise
Cardiovascular exercise such as jumping rope or swimming will help lower the blood pressure for hours. Many people join gyms or just work out at home. Riding a bike is a good form of exercise to strengthen the heart, and jumping jacks and rowing can also help, notes the American Heart Association.
