High blood pressure, which is also referred to as hypertension, is a common condition that can lead to life-threatening issues such as heart attack and stroke if left untreated. Blood pressure measures the force which the blood places against the blood vessels, especially the arteries, every time the heart pumps.
If blood pressure is consistently too high, it means the heart is having to work harder to pump blood through the body. If the force of the blood against your artery walls is consistently high, it may eventually cause health problems including heart disease and organ damage.
There are a number of effective medical treatments and lifestyle changes that can help to control hypertension and that aim to reduce the risk of cardiovascular problems. Let’s talk about some of the best ways to treat high blood pressure, and where you can go to have your blood pressure tested and possibly treated.
How Is High Blood Pressure Diagnosed?
Hypertension is frequently referred to as the silent killer because there are often no symptoms or warning signs. As a result, the only way to diagnose high blood pressure is to have it measured. This is a quick and painless process involving the use of a blood pressure cuff, which is positioned around the upper arm and is then inflated.
The air in the cuff is released, and a stethoscope is used to listen to the pulse. Blood pressure is then categorized as normal, prehypertension, or high.
It is very important to have your blood pressure checked regularly, especially if you are at a high risk of developing hypertension.
Treatments for Hypertension
Treatment of high blood pressure primarily consists of lifestyle changes, medications, or a combination of the two to lower your blood pressure:
Lifestyle Changes to Treat Hypertension
Changing certain detrimental aspects of your everyday lifestyle can be very beneficial in controlling hypertension. Your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes including:
- Eating a balanced, heart-healthy diet
- Consuming less salt
- Getting regular exercise
- Reaching or sustaining a healthy weight
- Limiting your alcohol intake
- Stopping smoking
Medication for High Blood Pressure
Medications to treat hypertension can vary, depending on your blood pressure measurements and any other medical problems. Your doctor may prescribe a combination of low-dose medications rather than a single large dose of one particular drug. It can take time to find the most effective medication or combination of drugs.
Medications that are used today to treat high blood pressure include:
- Diuretics to help your body eliminate excess sodium and water in order to reduce blood volume
- Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors to relax the blood vessels by preventing the formation of a natural chemical that naturally constricts blood vessels
- Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) to prevent the action, not the formation, of the chemical that narrows blood vessels
- Calcium channel blockers to help relax the muscles of your blood vessels
- Alpha blockers to reduce nerve impulses to constrict the blood vessels
- Alpha-beta blockers to slow down the heartbeat and to reduce the amount of blood pumped through the vessels
- Beta blockers to open up the blood vessels and reduce strain on the heart
- Aldosterone antagonists to reduce salt and fluid retention
- Renin inhibitors to slow down the production of renin, which is an enzyme produced by your kidneys that can lead to increased blood pressure
- Vasodilators which prevent the muscles in the walls of your arteries from tightening and narrowing
Comprehensive Concierge Health Services in Eatonton, Georgia
If you have high blood pressure or are at risk of developing the condition, talk to the caring physicians at Lake Oconee Concierge Medicine for the compassionate and individualized care you deserve. We offer unprecedented, 24/7 physician availability and customized care for your specific medical and wellness needs.
If you would like to find out more about the membership-based care you can get here at Lake Oconee Concierge Medicine, call us today at (706) 484-9824 or fill out our online information request form now. Let us show you the incredible benefits you’ll receive through the finest personalized medicine.
