It is very important for all high blood pressure patients to find a treatment plan that is focused on the type of blood pressure they have. Not all treatment suggestions are for all types of blood pressure cases. Your doctor might prescribe medication to you and also suggest important lifestyle changes. These may be good, but you must also know all options that are available to you.
First, you must understand your condition. Know as much about it as you can. Then, follow the suggestions below based on your type of condition.
Stage 1 high blood pressure (140/90 to 159/99)
People with stage 1 high blood pressure have a systolic blood pressure between 140 to 159 mm Hg or a diastolic pressure between 90 to 99 mm Hg. If you have this, the doctor might prescribe water pills, or diuretics, for you. These pills flush out excess water and sodium in your body. They will significantly lower your blood pressure if used in conjunction with lifestyle changes.
There are three types of diuretics on the market today, but the most common one that doctors prescribe is thiazide diuretic because it is the one with the least side effects. This high blood pressure treatment can also prevent other illnesses, such as stroke and heart failure, that can be caused by high blood pressure. While water pills might sometimes be all you need, your doctor might also prescribe other medications to you. Below is a list of some of your options:
- Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. These relax the blood vessels by stopping the production of a hormone that causes the blood vessels to narrow.
- Angiotensin II receptor blockers. These widen the blood vessels by stopping a hormone called angoitensin from affecting the blood vessels.
- Beta blockers. These reduce the nerve signals that are being sent to the heart and blood vessels.
- Calcium channel blockers. These stop calcium from reaching the heart and blood vessel muscles. This causes the blood vessels to relax.
High blood pressure and prehypertension (120/80 to 139/89)
If your systolic pressure is between 120 and 139, and your diastolic pressure is between 80 to 89, you will have entered the classification of patients who have high blood pressure or are about to enter that condition. Your doctor might prescribe medicines to you, but lifestyle changes are definitely called for to get your high blood pressure under control. Lifestyle changes will reduce or eliminate your need for medicine. Listed below are some of the lifestyle changes you can make to reduce the dangers of high blood pressure in your life.
- Limit your alcohol intake to no more than one alcoholic beverage a day for women and no more than two a day for men. Elimination of alcohol entirely from the diet is appropriate as well.
- Maintain a healthy weight. If you are overweight, strive to lower it. Remember, physical activity plus diet is the best way to lower your weight.
- Exercise at least 30 minutes a day for most days. You can break it up into three ten-minute sessions if you wish. The goal is to get your heart rate up, which improves your circulation and exercises your heart.
- Stop smoking. Smoking has a direct and dramatic negative effect on your high blood pressure condition.
- Start to eat healthy. Increase the amount of vegetables, fruits, and low-fat dairy in your diet. Watch your sodium intake.
If you have prehypertension that has not yet progressed to full high blood pressure, then you probably don’t need medication. If you have this and another disease like diabetes, kidney disease or heart disease, then you might need to take medication. By working with your doctor, you can find the right balance of high blood pressure medication, exercise, and diet to live with your condition in a healthy, safe, and happy way.
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/high-blood-pressure-medication/hi00028