High Blood Pressure - Hypertension - Treatment
Last Updated on Monday, 19 October 2009 10:57
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High Blood Pressure Treatment
If you fall in the risk group or are diagnosed with hypertension you need to initiate necessary lifestyle modifications.
Lifestyle Modifications
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Stop smoking
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Try reducing stress through yoga or meditation
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Diet Avoid high calorie low fiber food, instead go for whole grains, fruits and vegetables
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Limit your salt intake Limit the amount of alcohol to 1 to 2 ‘standard’ drinks a day or less.
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Exercise Be active for at least 30 to 60 minutes a day If you are overweight, losing about 5 kg will lower your blood pressure.
Medications
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Diuretics: They increase the amount of both water and salts removed by the kidneys from your blood. They also widen your arteries.
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Beta-blockers: They reduce your pulse rate, and this slowing down makes your heart work less hard.
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ACE Inhibitors: There are certain enzymes which constrict and tighten your arteries, and ACE inhibitors block them.
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Calcium channel blockers or alpha blockers: This category of drugs helps widen your arteries
Monitoring Blood Pressure
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Get your blood pressure measured regularly either by a doctor or at home
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Get your blood sugar, kidney function and cholesterol levels measured at regular intervals
