Hypertension Treatment
Hypertension treatment focuses on lowering blood pressure to reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, kidney disease, and other complications. The first step usually involves lifestyle changes: eating a heart-healthy diet (like the DASH diet), reducing salt intake, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, limiting alcohol, quitting smoking, and managing stress. For some people, these changes alone can significantly improve blood pressure, especially in early or mild hypertension. Regular monitoring at home or in the clinic is important to track progress.
If lifestyle changes aren’t enough, doctors may prescribe medications such as diuretics (water pills), ACE inhibitors, ARBs, beta-blockers, or calcium channel blockers, depending on the patient’s overall health and blood pressure goals. Sometimes a combination of drugs is needed for better control. Regular follow-ups are essential to check blood pressure, monitor for side effects, and adjust treatment as needed. By combining healthy habits with proper medication, most people with hypertension can effectively manage their condition and lower their long-term health risks.