Treatment of Blood pressure (high)

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The treatment of hypertension involves both a change in lifestyle and, if necessary, the prescription of drugs. In many cases of mild hypertension, a change in eating habits, regular exercise, a low fat diet, no smoking, and if necessary a reduction in salt intake and alcohol, will be sufficient to get the blood pressure down to normal.

If these changes are not successful, then drug treatment is necessary.

Three main classes of drugs are used to treat hypertension:

Diuretics act on the kidneys to cause them to pass more water and salt in the urine and reduce the volume of the blood, so bringing down the pressure. Diuretics are often the first treatment of choice for high blood pressure.
Beta- blockers interfere with the hormone and nervous control of the heart, slowing it and causing it to beat more slowly, so reducing the pressure.
If you are at risk of developing diabetes, you may also be prescribed drugs called ACE inhibitors, which will relax your blood vessels.
Finally, you may be prescribed a calcium channel blocker, which also helps to relax your blood vessels and help blood flow more freely.

If there is an underlying medical cause, such as a hormonal disorder, treatment of this disorder often results in blood pressure returning to a normal level.

Your treatment should be regularly reviewed. If you make lifestyle changes (see Prevention) and your blood pressure has returned to a normal level, your GP will be able to advise you about coming off your medication for a trial period.