High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a condition where the force of the blood against the walls of the arteries is consistently too high.
Blood pressure is measured in two ways;
- Systolic blood pressure, which represents the pressure in the arteries when the heart contracts and pumps blood out to the rest of the body.
- Diastolic blood pressure, which represents the pressure in the arteries when the heart is at rest between beats.
According to the Heart Foundation, a normal blood pressure reading includes a systolic blood pressure under 120 mm Hg and a diastolic blood pressure under 80 mm Hg. This would appear in a blood pressure reading as 120/80 mm Hg.
It is important to treat high blood pressure to reduce the risk of developing serious health problems that the condition is a significant risk factor for, including heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, and vision loss. When blood pressure is too high, it puts strain on the heart and blood vessels, which can lead to damage over time.
It is recommended that adults have their blood pressure checked at least once every two years, or more often if they have risk factors for hypertension such as being overweight, having a family history of hypertension, or having a sedentary lifestyle.
If high blood pressure is detected, it is important to follow the recommended treatment plan and monitor blood pressure regularly to ensure it remains at a healthy level.
How is high blood pressure treated?
High blood pressure, or hypertension, can be treated using several approaches, which may include lifestyle changes and/or medication, depending on the severity of the condition and individual circumstances.
Lifestyle changes for managing high blood pressure
Lifestyle changes are an important part of managing high blood pressure and can often be effective in reducing blood pressure levels. Some of the lifestyle changes that may help to lower high blood pressure include:
- Eating a balanced and healthy diet can help to lower blood pressure. This includes consuming more fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and low-fat dairy products, and reducing the intake of salt, processed foods, and saturated and trans fats.
- Engaging in regular physical activity, such as walking, jogging, cycling, swimming, or other aerobic activities, can help to lower blood pressure. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise on most days of the week.
- Maintaining a healthy weight or losing weight if necessary can help to lower blood pressure. Even a modest weight loss of 5-10% of body weight can have a significant impact on blood pressure.
- Drinking excessive amounts of alcohol can raise blood pressure. If you choose to drink, limit your alcohol consumption to no more than one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men.
- Smoking cigarettes can raise blood pressure and increase the risk of heart disease. Quitting smoking or avoiding exposure to secondhand smoke can help to lower blood pressure.
- Chronic stress can contribute to high blood pressure. Find ways to manage stress, such as practising relaxation techniques, getting enough sleep, and engaging in activities you enjoy.
Medications for treating high blood pressure
There are several types of medications that can be used to manage high blood pressure. These medications work in different ways to help lower blood pressure, and they may be prescribed alone or in combination depending on the individual’s condition and response to treatment. Some common types of medications used to manage high blood pressure include:
- Diuretics (also known as water pills), which help to remove excess salt and water from the body, which can reduce the amount of fluid in the blood vessels and help to lower blood pressure. Some examples of diuretics include hydrochlorothiazide, furosemide, and spironolactone.
- Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, which help to relax the blood vessels, which can help to lower blood pressure. They do this by blocking the action of a hormone that narrows blood vessels. Examples of ACE inhibitors include lisinopril, enalapril, and ramipril.
- Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) which also help to relax the blood vessels by blocking the effects of a hormone that narrows blood vessels. They work in a similar way to ACE inhibitors but may be prescribed for people who cannot tolerate ACE inhibitors or who have certain other medical conditions. Examples of ARBs include losartan, valsartan, and candesartan.
- Calcium channel blockers help to relax the blood vessels and reduce the heart’s workload, which can help to lower blood pressure. They work by blocking the flow of calcium into the muscles of the heart and blood vessels, which can cause them to relax. Examples of calcium channel blockers include amlodipine, diltiazem, and verapamil.
- Beta-blockers help to slow the heart rate and reduce the heart’s workload, which can help to lower blood pressure. They do this by blocking the effects of certain hormones that can increase heart rate and blood pressure. Examples of beta-blockers include metoprolol, atenolol, and propranolol.
Monitoring and follow-up care
Monitoring and follow-up care are essential for managing high blood pressure effectively. Here are some important steps for monitoring and follow-up care for high blood pressure:
- It is important to have your blood pressure checked regularly by a healthcare professional, such as your primary care physician, nurse practitioner, or pharmacist. This will help to monitor your blood pressure and make sure it remains at a healthy level.
- In addition to medication, lifestyle changes can also help to manage high blood pressure. It is important to make changes to your diet, exercise habits, and other lifestyle factors, and to follow up with a healthcare professional to monitor the effectiveness of these changes.
- If you have been prescribed medication for high blood pressure, it is important to take it exactly as prescribed and to follow up with your healthcare professional to ensure that it is working effectively.
- Your healthcare professional may schedule regular check-ins with you to monitor your blood pressure and to adjust your treatment plan as needed.
- In some cases, your healthcare professional may recommend that you monitor your blood pressure at home using a blood pressure monitor. This can help to track your blood pressure over time and to identify any patterns or trends that may need to be addressed.
- If you have other health conditions, such as diabetes or kidney disease, it is important to manage these conditions effectively as they can contribute to high blood pressure.
How to monitor blood pressure
To monitor blood pressure, you will need a blood pressure monitor. There are two types of blood pressure monitors: manual monitors, which require a stethoscope, and automatic monitors, which are easier to use and more convenient.
Here are the steps to monitor your blood pressure using an automatic monitor:
- Sit comfortably in a chair with your back supported and your feet flat on the ground. Make sure your arm is supported and resting at the level of your heart.
- Wrap the cuff of the blood pressure monitor around your upper arm. The cuff should be snug but not too tight.
- Press the button on the blood pressure monitor to start the measurement. The cuff will inflate automatically and then slowly deflate.
- The blood pressure monitor will display your systolic and diastolic blood pressure readings. Write down your readings and the date and time of the measurement.
- Repeat the measurement at least two more times, waiting at least one minute between measurements. Take the average of the readings to get a more accurate blood pressure measurement.
- Record your blood pressure readings in a log to track changes over time and share with your healthcare professional.
Tests
If you are diagnosed with high blood pressure, your provider may recommend tests to check for a cause.
Ambulatory monitoring
During ambulatory monitoring, the patient wears a small portable device called an ambulatory blood pressure monitor, which is usually worn on a belt around the waist or over the shoulder. The monitor is programmed to take blood pressure readings at regular intervals, typically every 15-30 minutes during the daytime and every 30-60 minutes at night.
The readings are stored in the monitor’s memory and can be downloaded and analyzed by a healthcare provider to assess a patient’s blood pressure patterns, identify any abnormalities, and adjust treatment as needed. Ambulatory monitoring is particularly useful for patients whose blood pressure fluctuates throughout the day, or who have “white coat hypertension” (higher blood pressure readings in a doctor’s office or clinical setting than in their normal environment).
Lab tests
There are several laboratory tests that can be ordered by a healthcare provider to assess and diagnose high blood pressure used in conjunction with physical exams, medical history reviews, and other diagnostic tools to help determine the underlying cause of high blood pressure and to monitor its progression. Some of the most common lab tests for high blood pressure include:
- Urinalysis, which can help detect kidney problems that may be contributing to high blood pressure.
- Complete blood count (CBC), which can detect anemia, which can cause high blood pressure.
- Basic metabolic panel (BMP), which measures electrolytes, glucose, and kidney function, which can all be affected by high blood pressure.
- Lipid panel which measures cholesterol and triglyceride levels, which can be elevated in people with high blood pressure.
- Thyroid function tests that can help determine if an underactive thyroid gland is contributing to high blood pressure.
Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG)
This quick and painless test measures the electrical activity of the heart. It records the heart’s rhythm, the strength and timing of electrical signals as they travel through the heart. An ECG can detect a variety of heart problems, including high blood pressure, also known as hypertension. An ECG may be ordered for people with high blood pressure to check for underlying heart problems or to monitor the heart’s activity over time.
Echocardiogram
High blood pressure can put extra strain on the heart, causing it to work harder to pump blood throughout the body. Over time, this can lead to damage to the heart muscle, which can cause heart failure, stroke, or other complications.
An echocardiogram can detect changes in the heart’s structure and function that may indicate high blood pressure, such as thickening of the heart muscle (left ventricular hypertrophy), enlargement of the heart, or reduced function of the heart’s pumping chambers.
How do I take my blood pressure at home?
You may be asked to check your blood pressure regularly at home by your healthcare provider. This helps your care providers know if your blood pressure medication is working or if your condition is getting worse.
Here are the general steps for taking your blood pressure at home:
- Choose a reliable blood pressure monitor: There are two types of blood pressure monitors – digital and manual. Digital monitors are easier to use and more popular. Make sure to choose a monitor that is validated and accurate.
- Prepare for the reading: Avoid caffeine, exercise, or smoking for at least 30 minutes before the reading. You should also sit quietly for 5 minutes before the reading.
- Sit in a comfortable position: Sit on a chair with your back supported and feet flat on the floor. Rest your arm on a table or armrest, with your palm facing upwards.
- Place the cuff on your arm: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for placing the cuff on your arm. The cuff should be snug but not too tight. The bottom edge of the cuff should be about 1 inch above your elbow.
- Take the reading: Press the start button on the monitor and wait for it to finish. Make sure to stay still and quiet during the reading.
- Record the reading: Write down the systolic (top number) and diastolic (bottom number) values from the monitor. Also, note the time and date of the reading.
- Repeat the reading: It is recommended to take two or three readings, separated by at least one minute, to ensure accuracy.
What are the potential complications of high blood pressure?
Treating high blood pressure can prevent severe health conditions. By managing high blood pressure effectively through lifestyle changes and, if necessary, medication, you can reduce your risk of these potential complications and protect your overall health;
- High blood pressure can damage the arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle, which can lead to an increased risk of heart disease, including coronary artery disease, heart attack, and heart failure.
- High blood pressure can increase the risk of stroke by damaging the blood vessels in the brain and increasing the likelihood of blood clots.
- High blood pressure can damage the blood vessels in the kidneys, which can lead to kidney damage or failure.
- High blood pressure can damage the blood vessels in the eyes, leading to vision problems and, in severe cases, blindness.
- High blood pressure can cause sexual dysfunction in both men and women, including decreased sexual desire, erectile dysfunction, and difficulty achieving orgasm.
- High blood pressure can cause the walls of weakened blood vessels to bulge, forming an aneurysm. A ruptured aneurysm can cause life-threatening internal bleeding.
- High blood pressure can damage the blood vessels in the brain, leading to cognitive decline and an increased risk of dementia.
- High blood pressure can cause the arteries in the legs and feet to narrow and harden, leading to decreased blood flow and an increased risk of peripheral artery disease.
Where can I go if I need high blood pressure treatment?
You can receive high blood pressure treatment at HeartWest, the largest cardiology group in the western and northwestern corridors of Melbourne, with 4 major locations and 3 satellite sites.
At HeartWest, our qualified experts will provide you with the best cardiology care. You will experience nothing but professionalism, care and courtesy; from your first interaction with our staff, to going through tests, procedures and consultations.
Our cardiologists have expertise in all fields of adult cardiology, including;
Contact us for efficient and affordable specialist heart care services.
