Hypertension Treatment

Hypertension, which means high blood pressure, is caused by a number of different factors; some of the same factors that cause heart disease and other cardiovascular issues. These factors include smoking, being overweight or obese, a high-sodium diet, too little physical activity, diabetes, and having a family history of hypertension.

When you visit us at Neighborhood Medical Center, we can diagnose your risk of hypertension by taking your blood pressure and taking into account your family history and lifestyle factors. If Dr. McElya suspects that you are suffering from hypertension, he may order further tests such as an electrocardiogram (ECG) to check for abnormal heart rhythms or an echocardiogram to check the size and function of the heart. If the diagnosis of hypertension is confirmed by these tests, the doctor can then recommend the appropriate treatment and lifestyle changes.

A doctor can treat hypertension in a variety of ways, depending on the severity, the patient’s other conditions, and lifestyle factors. Treatment options may include lifestyle changes, such as decreasing salt and alcohol intake, exercising regularly, reducing stress, getting adequate sleep, and quitting smoking. Additionally, a doctor may prescribe blood pressure-lowering medications such as ACE inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers, calcium channel blockers, or diuretics.

Patients can also manage hypertension by making lifestyle changes such as:

• Increasing physical activity
• Following a balanced diet
• Limiting caffeine and alcohol intake
• Reducing stress levels
• Quit smoking