Effective Strategies for Blood Pressure Control

Understanding Hypertension

Hypertension affects nearly half of adults worldwide and is a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke. Blood pressure readings consistently above 130/80 mmHg indicate hypertension. The condition often develops silently over years, earning its reputation as the "silent killer" due to asymptomatic progression.

Lifestyle Modifications

The DASH diet (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains and low-fat dairy. Reducing sodium intake to less than 2,300mg daily can lower systolic BP by 5-6 mmHg. Regular aerobic exercise (150 min/week) and weight loss (5-10% of body weight) provide comparable benefits to some medications.

Medication Options

First-line medications include thiazide diuretics, ACE inhibitors, ARBs, and calcium channel blockers. Combination therapy is often required, with medications selected based on comorbidities. Recent guidelines emphasize the importance of proper medication adherence and regular follow-up to adjust treatment as needed.

Monitoring Progress

Home blood pressure monitoring provides valuable data between office visits. Patients should check BP at the same times daily, avoiding caffeine/exercise 30 minutes prior. Annual kidney function tests and EKGs help assess end-organ damage in chronic hypertension cases.

Special Considerations

Resistant hypertension (uncontrolled on 3 medications) requires evaluation for secondary causes like renal artery stenosis. Older adults may need modified targets to avoid excessive diastolic lowering. Regular follow-up ensures optimal long-term cardiovascular protection.