Hypertension is called the ‘silent killer’ because it has very few symptoms that announce its onset and not treating it on time can lead to other serious health issues. It usually develops over a period of many years. Its treatment is based on making lifestyle changes along with prescription drugs.

Since it has no symptoms, the only way you can become aware of hypertension is by checking your blood pressure regularly. Your blood pressure is measured in two numbers. The first number is the systolic reading and it measures the pressure of blood in the arteries when the heart contracts. The second number is the diastolic number and it measures the force of the blood in the arteries when the heart is between beats. A normal blood pressure is considered 120/80 mm Hg.

A normal person’s blood pressure varies throughout the day. If it remains elevated for an extended period of time, then a person is said to have high blood pressure. Hypertension is diagnosed when the blood pressure reading is 140/90 or higher. Due to high blood pressure, the heart is forced to pump harder. Hypertension is a potentially serious condition as it can lead to stroke, kidney failure, blindness, heart disease including congestive heart failure and hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis). Although most people do not experience a lot of symptoms, when blood pressure is very high, a person can feel dizzy, dull headache or even nosebleed.

If your blood pressure remains elevated, then you should visit a doctor, who will perform some tests and ask questions in order to make an accurate diagnosis. It is necessary to determine the underlying cause of high blood pressure which varies from person to person. Once the doctor has determined the cause, he will most likely prescribe medicines and some changes in diet and daily routine. People with high blood pressure should avoid foods that are high in fat and sodium. They should also get plenty of exercise.

There are different medicines available for the treatment of high blood pressure. These include beta blockers that relax the arteries so that the heart does not have to work so hard at pumping blood. Diuretics are also used for lowering blood pressure by flushing out sodium and excess fluids from the body. These are often given in combination with other blood pressure medicines for optimum results. Alpha blockers help restrict the ability of natural chemicals to narrow blood vessels, thus lowering blood pressure. In order to prevent the muscles of the arteries from tightening and narrowing, vasodilators are used. Other high blood pressure medications include angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor blockers, alpha-beta blockers, calcium channel blockers, renin inhibitors, and central-acting agents.

All of these medicines have their pros and cons. Only your doctor will be able to recommend the right type of medicine for you to use. Follow his instructions steadfastly and do not cease the use of medication until your doctor says to.

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