High Blood Pressure Treatment

What is high blood pressure?

High blood pressure also known as hypertension is a condition which means your blood pressure is higher than it should be. High blood pressure very rarely shows any symptoms. There is a good chance you will not be aware you have this condition unless tested. To find out if you do, you have to arrange a blood pressure test normally with your regular doctor. High blood pressure is commonly known as the silent killer since if left untreated, it can increase the risk of a heart attack or stroke.

Is high blood pressure common?

According to NHS data it is estimated around 30% of people in England have high blood pressure but in many cases they might not be aware.

How is blood pressure measured?

It is measured in millimetres of mercury and recorded in two figures:

• systolic pressure – the pressure at which the heart beats to pump blood out
• diastolic pressure – the pressure of the blood when your heart is resting in between beats

You have high blood pressure if readings show your blood pressure to be 140/90 (systolic/diastolic) or higher. Ideally you should keep it below 120/80mmHg to reduce the chances of heart disease and stroke.

What are the symptoms of high blood pressure?

High blood pressure often has no clear symptoms which is the reason a lot of people who have it are unaware. You have to arrange a blood pressure test to find out If you are at risk. Although it is rare but people who suffer from very high blood pressure may experience headaches, blurred vision and shortness of breath. It is recommended for people over the age of 40 to get a blood pressure test every 5 years. If you think you are at a higher risk, then you should do this annually.

Who is most at risk?

People who have a family history of high blood pressure, people over the age of 65 and people of African origin have a higher risk of high blood pressure. If you eat a lot of salt, this will likely increase your blood pressure. There are other factors which can increase the risk of having high blood pressure such as being overweight, smoking, not exercising enough, too much caffeine and not eating enough fruits or vegetables. It is recommended for pregnant women to closely monitor their blood pressure due to the risk of pregnancy induced hypertension which can cause problems with the placenta. Placenta is the organ which supplies blood to the baby.

What other conditions and medicine can cause high blood pressure (hypertension)?

Hypertension can be caused if you are diabetic, have a kidney disease, lupus or hormonal conditions. Pregnancy can also give rise to blood pressure, so it is very important for pregnant women to monitor their blood pressure. Some medicine can contribute towards hypertension such as anti-inflammatory medicine e.g. ibuprofen, the oral contraceptive pill and amphetamines.

ACE inhibitors

Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors reduce blood pressure by relaxing your blood vessels. The most common side effect is a persistent dry cough. ACE inhibitors can cause unpredictable effects if taken with other medications, including some over-the-counter ones.

Angiotensin receptor blockers

If you suffer from severe side effects from AC inhibitors then your GP may recommend angiotensin-2 receptor antagonist (ARB). ARBs work differently to ACE inhibitors by blocking a chemical in the body that narrows the blood vessels. This means your blood pressure is lowered by dilating your blood vessels.

Calcium channel blockers

Calcium channel blockers keep calcium from entering the muscle cells of the heart and blood vessels. This widens your arteries (large blood vessels) and reduces your blood pressure.

Diuretics

These are also known as water pills, diuretics work by flushing excess water and salt from the body through urine.

Alpha-blockers

These are not usually the first choice of medication hence more likely that your GP will get you to try a different type of medication first. Alpha-blockers work by relaxing your blood vessels and make it easier for the blood to flow through them.

Beta-blockers

Beta-blockers work by making your heart beat more slowly and with less force, thereby reducing blood pressure. These were preferred in the past but are now considered to be less effective than the other medications used to treat high blood pressure.

Like any medicine, the treatment for high blood pressure also has some side effects. It depends which type of medicine you are prescribed but most common side effects of hypertension medicine tend to be headaches, dizziness and fatigue.

ACE inhibitors side effects can include:
Headache, dry cough, diarrhoea. Potassium levels in the blood can rise.

Angiotensin receptor blockers side effects can include:
Tiredness, dizziness, diarrhoea, potassium levels in the blood can rise.

Calcium channel blockers side effects can include:
Dizziness, heart rhythm issues and swollen ankles

Diuretics side effects can include:
Weakness, headache, potassium levels in blood drop

Alpha-blockers side effects can include:
Dizziness, headache, weakness, nausea and thumping heartbeat

Beta-blockers side effects can include:
Lightheaded or dizziness, drowsiness, drop in sexual ability and lower heart rate.