High Blood Pressure Treatment & Management
High Blood Pressure Treatment & Management
In the United States, nearly half of all adults (approximately 48%) have high blood pressure (hypertension). This translates to about 119.9 million adults. While the prevalence is high, a significant portion of those with hypertension are not aware of it, and many who are aware do not have their blood pressure under control. If left untreated, it can silently and significantly increase the risk of serious health complications, including heart attack or heart failure, stroke, kidney damage or failure, vision loss, and aneurysms.
The good news is that high blood pressure is both detectable and manageable. With early diagnosis and a proactive treatment plan, individuals can take control of their health and significantly reduce their risk of complications. For those with more advanced or resistant hypertension, specialized care and innovative therapies may be recommended to achieve better control.
What Treatments Are Available?
Your cardiologist will determine the best treatment plan based on test results and overall health, family history, and other risk factors. Lifestyle changes like diet and exercise, medications, and other advanced, minimally invasive treatments can help you lower your blood pressure.
Lifestyle Modifications
Adopting healthy habits can play a major role in managing high blood pressure, often reducing or even eliminating the need for medication. Recommended lifestyle changes include:
- Eat a heart-healthy diet: Focus on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and low-fat dairy. Limit sodium, saturated fats, and added sugars (e.g., the DASH diet).
- Exercise regularly: Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity activity, like brisk walking, five days a week.
- Maintain a healthy weight: Losing even a small amount of weight can have a positive impact on blood pressure.
- Limit alcohol consumption: Keep intake to no more than one drink per day for women and two for men.
- Quit smoking: Tobacco use raises blood pressure and harms blood vessels.
- Manage stress: Techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga can help lower stress-related spikes in blood pressure.
- Monitor blood pressure at home: Regular tracking helps identify trends and keeps you engaged in your health.
Heart Medication
Prescribed by a healthcare provider if lifestyle changes aren’t enough to control blood pressure, medications can help lower and manage hypertension effectively. Common types may include:
- Diuretics (water pills): Help the body eliminate excess sodium and water to reduce blood volume.
- ACE inhibitors: Relax blood vessels by blocking the formation of a hormone that narrows them.
- Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs): Prevent blood vessels from tightening by blocking the effects of angiotensin.
- Calcium channel blockers: Prevent calcium from entering the heart and blood vessel muscle cells, helping them relax.
- Beta blockers: Reduce the workload on the heart and open blood vessels, lowering heart rate and blood pressure.
- Renin inhibitors: Slow the production of renin, an enzyme that raises blood pressure.
Medication plans are often tailored to the individual and may involve a combination of drugs to achieve optimal control.
What If Typical Treatment Options Are Not Enough?
For some patients, a complementary treatment for high blood pressure may be appropriate. For resistant or uncontrolled hypertension, when blood pressure remains high despite medication and lifestyle changes, minimally invasive procedures may offer additional options:
Minimally Invasive Treatment Options
- Renal denervation (RDN): A catheter-based procedure that targets overactive nerves in the renal arteries, which can contribute to high blood pressure. The Medtronic Symplicity™ blood pressure procedure is a safe, effective treatment that is clinically proven to reduce high blood pressure regardless of how many medications you’ve tried or when you were diagnosed. This minimally invasive procedure calms excessively active nerves near the kidneys that may be contributing to your high blood pressure. Download brochure to learn more.
- Baroreceptor activation therapy (BAT): Involves implanting a small device that stimulates sensors in the neck to help regulate blood pressure.
- Angioplasty with stenting (in select cases): Used if a narrowed artery (such as renal artery stenosis) is contributing to high blood pressure.
- Investigational therapies and clinical trials: Emerging technologies may be available through specialized centers for eligible patients.
These procedures are performed by cardiovascular specialists and are considered when traditional treatments are not enough to bring blood pressure under control.
High Blood Pressure Management
By making healthy lifestyle choices and working closely with your healthcare provider, you can effectively manage high blood pressure and reduce your risk of serious health complications. Monitoring your blood pressure is crucial for early detection and management of uncontrolled hypertension for timely and life-saving interventions.
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Follow your doctor’s recommendations for blood pressure checks, treatment plans, and follow-up appointments.
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Regularly monitor your blood pressure at home and report any significant changes to your doctor.
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Take Control of Your Blood Pressure with Expert Care
At Cardiovascular Specialists of New England (CSNE), we don’t just treat high blood pressure—we lead the way in early detection and advanced, personalized care. Our board-certified cardiovascular specialists offer comprehensive testing, tailored and advanced treatment plans, and ongoing management to help you protect your heart at every stage of your life.
Don’t wait. Contact CSNE today and take the first step toward better blood pressure control.