|
High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is dangerous because it causes the heart to work harder at pumping blood throughout the body and can lead to strokes, heart attacks, heart failure or kidney disease.
The exact causes of this condition are unknown, but factors such as obesity, heredity, stress, and high amounts of fat and salt in the diet may play a role in its development.
The only way to know if you have high blood pressure or a blood pressure problem is to talk with your doctor. The doctor can check and/or monitor your blood pressure, and if needed,
request other tests for a diagnosis.
Learn more about:
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a
doctor. If you have any questions or concerns about a health
condition, contact your doctor.
Back to Health Resource
Center
Sometimes, you can help manage hypertension by making lifestyle changes. Talk with your physician to see what steps you should take, which might include:
- Losing weight
- Reducing stress
- Quitting smoking
- Eating fruits, vegetables and whole grain, low-salt and low-fat foods
- Limiting alcohol and caffeine
- Exercising regularly (especially aerobic).
Back to top
In addition to lifestyle changes, drug therapy can be used to
treat blood pressure that is greater than 140/90 mmHg.
Several types of drugs are used to treat hypertension, including:
- Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors
- Angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs)
- Diuretics
- Beta-blockers
- Calcium channel blockers.
If needed, your physician will discuss drug treatment options with you. After starting drug therapy, you should follow up with your doctor at least once a month until you reach the blood pressure goal.
Back to top
For more information on high blood pressure, login
to WebMD.
Other helpful resources include:
Back to top
|
|
