Many options are available to lower high blood pressure, or hypertension, which is considered to be anything at 139/89 or higher. If a person has a systolic pressure of lower than 139 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) or a diastolic pressure that is lower than 89 mm Hg, life-style changes such as losing weight or beginning to exercise are usually enough to bring the blood pressure down. If the patient's blood pressure is higher than this, a hypertension medication may be needed. Patients should always consult a doctor about treating hypertension.
Medication
Hypertension medication is an excellent way to reduce blood pressure, but many of them also carry significant side effects. Decisions about a medication need to be based on several factors. First, patients who suffer from additional conditions such as kidney or heart disease should take hypertension medicines that are made for such patients, says the Mayo Clinic. In some cases, the doctor may prescribe diuretics as well as calcium channel blockers. Beta blockers are commonly prescribed for patients with a history of heart conditions. Angiotensin-converting enzyme, or ACE, inhibitors are often used by patients with kidney diseases. Angiotensin II receptor blockers or ARBs should not be given to pregnant patients.
Dietary Supplements
Prior to taking any dietary supplements, a patient should consult his doctor, because some an be dangerous when combined with hypertension medications. According to the "Natural Medicines Database," there are 15 dietary supplements that may be effective in some patients to lower blood pressure, such as coenzyme Q-10, alpha-linolenic acid, blond psyllium and pine bark extract. Even green tea might help.
Weight Loss and Diet
According to HealthGuidance.org, obesity increases the risk of hypertension significantly, and losing weight often lowers blood pressure to healthier levels. HighBloodPressureMed.com states that hypertension is common in cultures that consume excessive amounts of salt. It is unlikely that the high salt intake alone could cause high blood pressure, but when combined with other risk factors it can increase the risk.
Coffee and Alcohol
Both alcohol and coffee consumption have been linked to a temporary increase in blood pressure. If a person has already developed hypertension, it is recommended by the Mayo Clinic that he reduce his coffee and alcohol consumption.
Stress Reduction
According to HighBloodPressureMed.com, stress is unlikely to cause hypertension. However, if a person suffers from stress for an extended period of time and has a genetic risk for hypertension, is obese, or does not exercise, stress may raise blood pressure over time. Patients can use relaxation techniques and biofeedback to reduce the effects of stress.
References
- Bloodpressure-drs-practical-guide.com: Natural Medicines Database: Herbs That Lower Blood Pressure
- MayoClinic.com: High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)
- HealthGuidance: How Does Obesity Cause Hypertension?
- HighBloodPressureMed.com: Causes of High Blood Pressure--Hypertension
- Mayo Clinic: Choosing Blood Pressure Medications
