Hypertension is diagnosed when blood pressure consistently measures >130 mmHg systolic and >80 mmHg diastolic.

Although the treatment of systolic hypertension remains incompletely understood, the reduction of diastol- ic hypertension with pharmacotherapy has been shown to reduce complications from hypertension in persons over age 55.

First-line medications used in the treatment of hypertension include diuretics, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), beta-blockers, and calcium channel blockers (CCBs). Some patients will require 2 or more antihypertensive medications to achieve their BP target.

Commonly prescribed classes of hypertension medications include:

• Thiazide diuretics. These drugs work by increasing the amount of fluid the body eliminates through urination.
• Calcium channel blockers.
• ACE (angiotensin-converting enzyme) inhibitors.
• Angiotensin II receptor blockers.
• Beta blockers.

Medications used to treat high blood pressure include:

• Diuretics. Diuretics, sometimes called water pills, are medications that help your kidneys eliminate sodium and water from the body.
• Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors.
• Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs).
• Calcium channel blockers.

For most people, the first-choice medication for high blood pressure is a thiazide diuretic. For other people, a diuretic alone is not enough to control blood pressure. In these cases, a diuretic may be combined with a beta-blocker, ACE inhibitor, angiotensin II receptor blocker, or calcium channel blocker.

Some common types of OTC medicines you may need to avoid include:

• Decongestants, such as those that contain pseudoephedrine.
• Pain medicines (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen and naproxen.
• Cold and flu medicines.
• Some antacids and other stomach medicines.
• Some herbal remedies and dietary supplements.

Your doctor If your blood pressure is higher than 160/100 mmHg, then three visits are enough. If your blood pressure is higher than 140/90 mmHg, then five visits are needed before a diagnosis can be made. If either your systolic or diastolic blood pressure stays high, then the diagnosis of hypertension can be made.

1. Citrus fruits. Citrus fruits, including grapefruit, oranges, and lemons, may have powerful blood-pressure-lowering effects. They’re loaded with vitamins, minerals, and plant compounds that may help keep your heart healthy by reducing heart disease risk factors like high blood pressure ( 4 ).

Eggs are also a well-known source of protein which is perfect for breakfast. Egg whites are especially good for high blood pressure.

High blood pressure results in around 1,100 deaths per day in the U.S., which means keeping your blood pressure down is vital for living a healthy life. Fortunately, having an apple a day can help with just that. Apples are full of polyphenols and potassium, aka blood pressure lowering elements.

6 Outdated High Blood Pressure Medications You Should Consider Upgrading

• Atenolol.
• Furosemide (Lasix)
• Nifedipine (Adalat, Procardia)
• Terazosin (Hytrin) and Prazosin (Minipress)
• Hydralazine (Apresoline)
• Clonidine (Catapres)

Safe medications to use include methyldopa and potentially some diuretics and beta-blockers, including labetalol.

Thiazide diuretics generally have fewer side effects than the others. This is especially true when they’re prescribed in the low doses that are generally used in treating early high blood pressure. Examples of thiazide diuretics include: chlorthalidone (Hygroton)

Angiotensin Receptor Blockers ARBs are considered the alternative first-line treatment for hypertension in the elderly population when a diuretic is contraindicated. In elderly hypertensive patients with diabetes or HF, ARBs are considered first-line treatment and an alternative to ACE inhibitors.

Your blood pressure is considered high (stage 1) if it reads 130/80. Stage 2 high blood pressure is 140/90 or higher. If you get a blood pressure reading of 180/110 or higher more than once, seek medical treatment right away. A reading this high is considered “hypertensive crisis.”

As a general guide: high blood pressure is considered to be 140/90mmHg or higher (or 150/90mmHg or higher if you’re over the age of 80) ideal blood pressure is usually considered to be between 90/60mmHg and 120/80mmHg.

The strongest body of evidence indicates that for most patients with hypertension, thiazide diuretics are the best proven first-line treatment in reducing morbidity and mortality.

The preferred second drugs in patients who are treated with a beta blocker are a thiazide diuretic or a dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker [71].

The new approach recommended by the British Hypertension Society is that first-line therapy in patients over 55 should be a calcium channel blocker or a thiazide-type diuretic. For patients who are younger than 55, ACE inhibitors are the first-line drug of choice.

If your blood pressure is elevated and you want to see an immediate change, lie down and take deep breaths. This is how you lower your blood pressure within minutes, helping to slow your heart rate and decrease your blood pressure. When you feel stress, hormones are released that constrict your blood vessels.

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1. Lose extra pounds and watch your waistline. Blood pressure often increases as weight increases.
2. Exercise regularly.
3. Eat a healthy diet.
4. Reduce sodium in your diet.
5. Limit the amount of alcohol you drink.
6. Quit smoking.
7. Cut back on caffeine.
8. Reduce your stress.

Low-dose aspirin is known to reduce the risk of heart attack in high-risk patients. It also seems to help lower high blood pressure, but studies looking at this effect yield confusing results. Now there may be an explanation: aspirin only lowers blood pressure when taken at bedtime.

Eating with High Blood Pressure: Food and Drinks to Avoid

• Salt.
• Deli meat.
• Frozen pizza.
• Pickles.
• Canned soups.
• Tomato products.
• Sugar.
• Packaged foods.

Exercise is the most effective way to lower your blood pressure. Being physically active at least 30 minutes a day most days of the week goes a long way toward keeping or getting your blood pressure under control. Consume a low-sodium diet.

Lowers blood pressure. Studies have shown that soaking in a hot bath can lower your blood pressure. This is a great system for those with heart conditions and even those who don’t. But first, consult your doctor if you do have a heart condition because a hot bath will also raise the rate of your heartbeat.

Release tension and stress. Masturbation can lower blood pressure in stressful situations.

The National Academy of Sciences recommends drinking when thirsty rather than consuming a specific number of glasses daily. It is unlikely that drinking water raises blood pressure. A healthy body regulates fluids and electrolytes quickly.

“We do not know how water raises blood pressure, but it is the solute-free water itself, whether warm, room temperature, or cold that elicits the effect,” said Dr. Jens Jordan, a former postdoctoral fellow in Clinical Pharmacology and lead author of the study.