Anyone here being Treated for High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure is a major issue in both men and women. Many more people are at risk of contracting it. Over half of all Americans aged 60 and up have it, and the risk of developing high blood pressure over a lifetime is 90 percent. Blood pressure usually rises with age. Although it may happen at any age, the risk of high blood pressure begins to rise around the age of 45. African-Americans are more likely to develop hypertension at a younger age and to have more severe hypertension.
Obesity or having a family history of high blood pressure raises the risk. High blood pressure is really harmful because it can go unnoticed for years. In fact, one out of every three Americans has the disease and is unaware of it. High blood pressure is not unavoidable, despite these grim statistics. You have a lot of options for preventing, delaying, and treating the disease.
What Is High Blood Pressure?
Blood pumps through the circulatory system under pressure, similar to water in a house’s pipes. Similar to how too much water pressure can damage pipes and faucets, high blood pressure can be dangerous. When the force exerted against the artery walls is abnormally high, hypertension develops. Get treatment for hypertension from Marham’s best doctors.
Elevated pressure can lead to a variety of issues over time. Aneurysms are small bulges that can form in blood vessels. The heart can enlarge, increasing the risk of heart failure. Kidney failure can be caused by damage to blood vessels in the kidneys. Hypertension can cause vision problems and even blindness because the tiny blood vessels in the eyes are especially vulnerable to damage.
Who Gets High Blood Pressure?
People with a family history of high blood pressure, heart disease, or diabetes are more likely to have high blood pressure.
It’s also more prevalent among those who are:
- American of African descent
- Over the age of 55
- Overweight
- Inactive
- Drinkers who consume a lot of alcohol
- Smokers
If you eat a lot of salty foods or take medications like NSAIDs like ibuprofen and aspirin
Treatment
High blood pressure can be controlled and managed by altering your lifestyle. Your doctor may advise you to make the following lifestyle changes:
- Maintaining a healthy weight or losing weight if you’re overweight or obese
- Eating a heart-healthy diet with less salt
- Getting regular physical activity Keeping your alcohol consumption to a minimum
However, lifestyle changes aren’t always sufficient. If diet and exercise don’t work, your doctor may prescribe blood pressure medication.
Medications
The type of high blood pressure medication your doctor prescribes is determined by your blood pressure readings and overall health. Two or more blood pressure medications are often more effective than one. Finding the most effective medication or drug combination can be a trial and error process.
- If you have high blood pressure, your treatment goal should be less than 130/80 mm Hg.
- You’re a healthy adult aged 65 or older
- You’re a healthy adult aged 65 or younger with a 10% or higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease in the next 10 years
- You’re a healthy adult aged 65 or younger with a 10% or higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease in the next 10 years You have diabetes, chronic kidney disease, or coronary artery disease.
Inquire with your cardiologist doctor in Lahore about your blood pressure treatment goals. Also, especially if you’re over 65, the ideal blood pressure treatment goal can change with age and health conditions.
1. Diuretics
Diuretics are one type of medication used to treat high blood pressure. Diuretics, also known as water pills, are medications that aid in the removal of sodium and water from the body by the kidneys. These drugs are frequently the first line of treatment for high blood pressure. Diuretics are divided into three categories: thiazide, loop, and potassium sparing. Your doctor’s recommendation is based on your blood pressure readings as well as any other medical conditions you may have, such as kidney disease or heart failure.
Chlorthalidone, hydrochlorothiazide (Microzide), and other diuretics are commonly used to treat high blood pressure. Increased urination is a common diuretic side effect, which can lower potassium levels. If your potassium level is low, your doctor may prescribe a potassium-sparing diuretic like triamterene (Dyazide, Maxide) or spironolactone (Aldactone).
2. Inhibitors
Inhibitors of the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE). These drugs, such as lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril), benazepril (Lotensin), captopril, and others, work by preventing the formation of a natural chemical that constricts blood vessels. These drugs widen blood vessels by inhibiting the action, rather than the formation, of a natural chemical that narrows them. Candesartan (Atacand), losartan (Cozaar), and other ARBs are examples.
3. Calcium channel blockers
Calcium channel blockers are a type of calcium channel blocker. Amlodipine (Norvasc), diltiazem (Cardizem, Tiazac, and others) and other medications relax the muscles in your blood vessels. Your heart rate will be slowed by some. Calcium channel blockers may be more effective than ACE inhibitors alone for older people and people of African descent.
When taking calcium channel blockers, avoid eating or drinking grapefruit products. Grapefruit raises the levels of calcium channel blockers in the blood, which can be dangerous. If you’re worried about drug interactions, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
Final Notes
Making new lifestyle changes can help you avoid high blood pressure and reduce your risk of heart disease. Think about your diet. High blood pressure can be prevented by eating a healthy diet. Try following the DASH diet (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension), which emphasizes plenty of fruits and vegetables as well as low-fat or nonfat dairy products.
