Hypertension or high blood pressure is when the blood vessels persistently rise in pressure. It exerts a high pressure during blood flow against the artery. This will damage your arteries and can lead to serious complications. High blood pressure may lead to severe health problems like heart disease, stroke, kidney damage, and other complications. It also affects the heart and destroys the walls of the arteries. It tends to increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
It is essential to check blood pressure at least once a year, especially if you have a family history of high blood pressure obesity, are a smoker, alcoholic, or are a sedentary person. The risk can be reduced by early detection.
Symptoms Of High Blood Pressure:
- Severe headaches
- Bleed in the nose
- Fatigue or confusion
- Vision problems
- Chest pain
- Difficulty in breathing
- Irregular heartbeat
- Seizures
- Blood in the urine
Causes of High Blood Pressure:
Various reasons like genetic predisposition, unhealthy diet, excessive alcohol consumption and smoking, obesity, kidney disease, and age can cause hypertension. Some of the medicines can also cause a rise in the blood pressure in the body. Unhealthy lifestyle and diet have played a vital role in the development of hypertension in individuals.
Pharmacotherapy Management [ Hypertension medicines]
Diuretics: Physicians prescribe diuretics to lower blood pressure and help the body eliminate excess sodium and fluid. These medications aid in reducing blood volume and pressure.
Angiotensin II receptor blockers: ARBs act on the hormone angiotensin, which is responsible for the narrowing of blood vessels. These ARBs block the receptors where the angiotensin is binding in heart muscles, and they lower blood pressure.
ARBs are used in the treatment of hypertension, especially in patients who cannot tolerate ACE inhibitors due to side effects such as cough. They are also beneficial in patients with heart failure, diabetes, or kidney disease.
Certain drugs like Telma Ct 40mg/6.25mg Tablet is a combination medication with two active compounds, telmisartan and chlorthalidone. It is a combination of an ARB and a diuretic that makes it convenient for patients to take a single pill instead of two and simplifies medication regimen.
β-blockers: Beta-blockers or beta-adrenergic blocking agents help decrease blood pressure by blocking the epinephrine hormone (adrenaline) effect, increasing the heart rate and blood pressure.
ACE inhibitors: They block the action of angiotensin-converting enzymes. By inhibiting this enzyme, ACE inhibitors reduce the production of angiotensin II, a potent vasoconstrictor; It leads to vasodilation and a decrease in blood pressure.
Calcium channel blockers: Physicians administer calcium channel blockers to relax and widen blood vessels. It inhibits calcium ions from entering the cells in the heart and blood vessels. This action contributes to lowering blood pressure.
Lifestyle Modifications:
- Healthy diet: Adopting a healthy diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins while limiting saturated fat, trans fat, cholesterol, sodium, and added sugars can help to manage high blood pressure.
- Weight management: It is better to lose a small amount of weight if you're overweight and it will help lower blood pressure. Gradual weight loss through diet and regular physical activity is recommended.
- Regular exercise: It is advised to follow a moderate-intensity exercise of 150 minutes per week along with muscle-strengthening activities on two or more days per week, which can help lower blood pressure.
- Limiting alcohol: If you drink alcohol, practice in moderation. Drinking alcohol consumption to moderate levels can help lower blood pressure.
- Reducing sodium intake: Limiting sodium (salt) in your diet to no more than 2,300 milligrams per day or even less which is recommended by your doctor, can help lower blood pressure.
- Managing stress: Practicing relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, and yoga, helps to manage stress levels, which can contribute to lower blood pressure.
Conclusion
Many people can effectively manage their high blood pressure and lower their risk of consequences including heart disease, stroke, and kidney disease by combining medication with lifestyle changes. It's critical to collaborate closely with your doctor to create a treatment plan to meet unique requirements and objectives.
