How medication helps for hypertension
Each year, World Hypertension Day is recognised on 17 May. And it's the perfect time to talk about the silent killer that affects millions of people worldwide: hypertension.
In South Africa hypertension is a growing concern, impacting over six million people, and is a significant risk factor for heart disease, stroke and kidney disease.
It's essential to understand the risks of this condition and how to manage it effectively.
What is hypertension?
Hypertension is when the force of blood against the walls of your arteries is consistently too high. It is a chronic condition that can slip by undetected for years as there are usually no symptoms. The problem is that, over time, hypertension can cause serious damage to your arteries, heart and other vital organs, leading to intense health problems.
Hypertension complications
- Over time, the extra strain on the heart can cause it to enlarge and weaken, increasing the risk of heart failure, heart attack and sudden cardiac death.
- Hypertension is a leading trigger for a stroke. As the condition takes hold, the damage to the arteries can result in them narrowing or rupturing, cutting off blood flow to the brain and causing a stroke.
- Hypertension can damage the kidneys' blood vessels, reducing their ability to function properly. As time passes, the harm caused can result in the development of enduring kidney disease, kidney failure and the patient may need dialysis or a kidney transplant.
Enter: health screenings
The best way to detect hypertension is through regular health screenings. These screenings typically involve a blood pressure test, which measures the force of blood against the walls of your arteries. If your blood pressure is consistently high, your doctor may diagnose you with hypertension and recommend treatment.
Do medications help?
Hypertension medication works in various ways to lower blood pressure levels. There are several types of hypertension medications, and they typically take effect by targeting different mechanisms in the body to reduce blood pressure.
Some of the most commonly prescribed medications for hypertension include:
- ACE inhibitors help relax blood vessels and reduce hormone production that can raise blood pressure.
- Beta-blockers slow the heart rate and reduce the heart's workload.
- Diuretics help the body get rid of excess salt and water, reducing blood volume in the bloodstream and lowering blood pressure.
Calcium channel blockers and beta blockers help by reducing the force of the heart's contractions, thereby reducing the amount of blood the heart pumps and decreasing blood pressure. Some medications, such as alpha blockers, work by blocking certain nerve signals that can cause blood vessels to constrict, leading to a decrease in blood pressure.
Overall, hypertension medication works to lower blood pressure by targeting specific physiological mechanisms in the body that contribute to high blood pressure. It’s vital to work closely with your doctor to figure out the most appropriate medication and dosage for your specific needs.
Tips for self-care
In addition to medication, you should take a good look at your diet and lifestyle and consider making some necessary changes.
Maintain a healthy weight
- Being overweight or obese can increase your risk of hypertension. Losing weight through a healthy diet and regular exercise can help lower blood pressure.
Reduce sodium intake
- How much salt are you really eating? When it comes to hypertension, think “no more than a pinch”. Salt is a huge hypertension culprit so make every effort to limit your salt intake to a teaspoon a day.
Exercise regularly
- Regular physical activity means at least four to five times a week. Aim for about 30 minutes of moderate-intensity walking, cycling, jogging, swimming or resistance training.
Easy on the alcohol
- Drinking too much alcohol can quickly push up your blood pressure. Women should limit their alcohol intake to one drink per day, while men should limit their intake to two.
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only. Always check with your doctor or medical practitioner about any health concerns, before embarking on any fitness or nutrition programme, and usage of any medication.