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Keep your hypertension under control

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a contributing factor to stroke. Preventing hypertension or learning to control it if you already have it are important steps for taking control of your health.

There are several lifestyle changes that can help prevent and control high blood pressure. Among these is the importance of maintaining a healthy weight, since being overweight significantly increases blood pressure. In some cases, losing just a few pounds has been shown to help lower blood pressure. Regular physical activity — anything from taking the stairs instead of the elevator to going for a brisk walk each day — is also very important. Ask your doctor exactly how much exercise you should be doing each day.

Limiting salt intake can also help in lowering blood pressure, as can limiting consumption of alcohol. In general, men should limit themselves to at most two alcoholic drinks a day, while women should consume no more than one. Smoking should also be avoided. In addition, reducing daily stress also helps in lowering blood pressure. Eating a healthy diet is also important and failing to do so will effectively undermine any of your other efforts.

There are also several drug treatment options for hypertension that you can ask your doctor about. There are five main groups of drugs that may be helpful in treating your hypertension:

ACE inhibitors work by limiting the effect of chemicals that narrow blood vessels, allowing for easier passage of blood and lower blood pressure.



Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) are similar to ACE inhibitors, and cut down on the chemicals in your body that narrow your blood vessels.



Diuretics work by helping your body expel excess water and salt, effectively lowering blood pressure by safely lowering the volume of fluid in your body.



Beta blockers can be used to reduce the effect of adrenaline on your heart, which decreases the amount of work your heart has to do and effectively lowers blood pressure.



Calcium channel blockers, which widen blood vessels, are another commonly prescribed option.

All of these drug treatment options must be considered carefully with your doctor before they are employed.

Talking with your doctor about your particular risk factors and working with your doctor to develop a plan for maintaining a healthy lifestyle could be lifesaving conversations.