Effective high blood pressure treatment typically involves medication and heart-healthy lifestyle changes, such as a low-sodium diet and regular exercise. Blood pressure is the force of blood pressing against the inner walls of your arteries. When this force is consistently high, it puts your health at risk, a condition known as high blood pressure or hypertension.
Managing hypertension often entails taking one or more antihypertensive medications daily and making lifestyle modifications to support optimal cardiovascular health.
There is no permanent “cure” for hypertension, as the measures required to control it must be maintained for life. If you cease managing your condition, your high blood pressure is likely to return.
To achieve and maintain healthy blood pressure levels, collaborate with your healthcare team to develop a treatment plan and learn how to monitor your blood pressure at home.
Why Managing High Blood Pressure is Important
Blood pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) and is divided into systolic and diastolic pressures.
- Systolic pressure (the top number in your reading) is the pressure inside your arteries when your heart contracts and pumps blood out to the body.
- Diastolic pressure (the bottom number) is the pressure in the arteries when your heart rests between beats.
High blood pressure is defined as a systolic pressure of 130 mm Hg or higher, or a diastolic pressure of 80 mm Hg or higher. The higher these numbers rise, the greater the health risks.
Nearly half of all adults in the United States have hypertension, but only a quarter of those with high blood pressure have it under control, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Failing to manage hypertension increases the risk of several severe health problems, including:
- Heart attack
- Heart failure
- Kidney disease
- Peripheral artery disease
- Sexual dysfunction
- Stroke
- Vision loss
Tips for Managing Your Hypertension
Managing chronic hypertension requires a multifaceted approach, and the journey should begin by working closely with your healthcare team. There are several additional essential steps you can take to help manage your hypertension and maintain it at a healthy level.
Partner with Your Doctor
The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute suggests that collaborating with a doctor and a team of healthcare professionals, such as a nutritionist, pharmacist, and various specialists, can significantly enhance your ability to manage hypertension and prevent serious complications.
Regular visits to your doctor allow you to track any changes in your blood pressure. Your doctor can then adjust your medication regimen accordingly, either by adding a medication, removing one if appropriate, or altering the dosage.
Additionally, your doctor can provide recommendations on diet, exercise, and treatments for conditions that might affect your blood pressure, such as diabetes or kidney disease. The increased use of telehealth or “connected health” services, like video chats and other internet-based communication, can also be helpful in managing hypertension.
Focus on Making Lifestyle Changes
Many lifestyle behaviors that can help lower your blood pressure to a healthy range are also effective in preventing the development of hypertension. Some of the most essential steps include:
- Eating a balanced, heart-healthy diet, such as the Mediterranean diet or the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet.
- Engaging in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week, such as brisk walking, swimming, or singles tennis.
- Limiting alcohol consumption to no more than one drink daily for women and two for men.
- Maintaining a moderate weight. If you need to lose weight, consult your doctor about safe and sustainable long-term strategies.
- Managing stress.
- Quitting smoking, as smoking can damage the lining of the arteries.
- Reducing sodium intake by choosing low-sodium items at the grocery store and restaurants and using alternative seasonings instead of salt when cooking.
These tips can help you manage your hypertension effectively and improve your overall health.
Take Medications, If Needed
If lifestyle changes aren’t sufficient to bring your blood pressure to a healthy level, your doctor may prescribe one or more types of antihypertensive medications. Each type of medication works differently to reduce blood pressure.
Initially, your doctor will likely start you on one medication, but you may need more than one to achieve optimal results.
Some common antihypertensives include:
- Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors: These help the body produce less angiotensin, a protein that raises blood pressure by causing arteries to constrict.
- Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs): These medications counteract the effects of angiotensin.
- Beta-blockers: These reduce the heart’s workload and its output of blood, thereby easing pressure in the arteries.
- Calcium channel blockers: These prevent calcium from entering the heart and arteries, allowing them to relax and open up.
- Diuretics: Commonly a first-line treatment, these reduce fluid levels in the body, which also helps lower blood pressure.
- Vasodilators: These are usually prescribed in situations where systolic pressure is very high (e.g., 180 mm Hg) or in other emergencies.
Keep an Eye on Your Blood Pressure
While having your blood pressure checked during doctor visits is useful, those with hypertension should consider monitoring their blood pressure at home. Home monitoring enables you to track your blood pressure between visits.
A 2021 report in the American Journal of Hypertension suggests that home monitoring should play “a central role” in managing hypertension, as it can help identify increased risks of serious cardiovascular events.
The key is to use a home monitor correctly and keep a record of your blood pressure readings. Consult your healthcare team for recommendations on the type of monitor (an arm cuff is preferable to a wrist device) and guidance on accurately measuring your blood pressure. You might also consider bringing your monitor to your doctor’s office for a quick lesson on its proper use.