Managing High Blood Pressure: Treatment, Prevention, and Specialist Guidance

Q: Managing High Blood Pressure: Treatment, Prevention, and Specialist Guidance

Hello： If your mother has had multiple measurements (at least three, at different times, and while at rest) with blood pressure readings consistently above 140/90 mmHg, she is diagnosed with hypertension. <br>The causes of hypertension are classified as primary and secondary. <br

High blood pressure?

My mother is 45 years old, and today her blood pressure was measured at 150/100, which is classified as hypertension.
How should hypertension be treated? Does she need to take medication? What are the methods to prevent and lower high blood pressure? Which medical specialty should she consult for hypertension?

Lai, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2007/07/18

Dr. Lai Junlong reply Family Medicine

Hello: If your mother has had multiple measurements (at least three, at different times, and while at rest) with blood pressure readings consistently above 140/90 mmHg, she is diagnosed with hypertension.
The causes of hypertension are classified as primary and secondary.
When a physician suspects or diagnoses hypertension, they will check for secondary factors that may contribute to high blood pressure, such as issues with the kidneys, adrenal glands, or aorta, while also assessing cardiovascular disease risk.
After understanding the potential causes and risks, further examinations and treatments will be arranged.
Ninety-five percent of hypertension cases are classified as primary hypertension.
It is recommended that anyone with elevated blood pressure (above 130/85 mmHg) undergo lifestyle modifications, including a low-sodium diet (consuming no more than 2 grams of sodium or 5 grams of salt per day), quitting smoking, weight loss, regular exercise, moderate relaxation, and stress reduction.
These lifestyle changes are beneficial for everyone and can help prevent or reduce the occurrence of hypertension.
If blood pressure remains high despite maintaining a healthy lifestyle, or if it is classified as moderate or severe hypertension, medication treatment should be considered.
There are many types of antihypertensive medications, and the physician will prescribe the most appropriate one based on the patient's overall condition.
However, even when medication is being used to control blood pressure, lifestyle modifications remain crucial.
In your mother's case, it is advisable to consult a professional in family medicine or cardiology to start with lifestyle adjustments.
Additionally, purchasing a calibrated blood pressure monitor for home use to regularly measure and record her blood pressure will help determine if it is genuinely high or influenced by other factors.
Follow-up visits are necessary, as the physician will evaluate your mother's blood pressure changes and assess related cardiovascular disease risks to decide whether medication treatment is needed.
If hypertension is left untreated, it can increase the risk of complications in related organs, including the heart, cerebrovascular system, kidneys, peripheral arteries, and retina, which should not be taken lightly.
I hope this explanation is helpful to you!

Reply Date: 2007/07/18

More Info

Managing high blood pressure, or hypertension, is crucial for maintaining overall health and preventing complications such as heart disease, stroke, and kidney damage. Given your mother's age and the blood pressure reading of 150/100 mmHg, it is indeed classified as hypertension, specifically stage 2 hypertension according to the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association (ACC/AHA) guidelines. Here’s a comprehensive approach to treatment, prevention, and specialist guidance.

Treatment Options
1. Lifestyle Modifications:
- Diet: Encourage a heart-healthy diet, such as the DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet, which emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins while reducing salt intake. Aim for less than 2,300 mg of sodium per day, or ideally 1,500 mg for greater blood pressure reduction.

- Physical Activity: Regular physical activity can help lower blood pressure. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise each week, such as brisk walking or cycling.

- Weight Management: If overweight, losing even a small amount of weight can significantly impact blood pressure levels.

- Limit Alcohol and Quit Smoking: Reducing alcohol intake and quitting smoking can improve heart health and lower blood pressure.

2. Medication:
- If lifestyle changes alone do not adequately control blood pressure, medication may be necessary. Common classes of antihypertensive medications include:
- Diuretics: Help the body eliminate excess sodium and water, reducing blood volume.

- ACE Inhibitors: Help relax blood vessels by preventing the formation of a hormone that narrows blood vessels.

- Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers (ARBs): Similar to ACE inhibitors but work differently to relax blood vessels.

- Calcium Channel Blockers: Help relax the muscles of the blood vessels.

- Beta-Blockers: Reduce heart rate and the heart's workload.

Your mother's healthcare provider will determine the most appropriate medication based on her overall health, any other medical conditions, and potential side effects.

Prevention Strategies
1. Regular Monitoring: Encourage your mother to monitor her blood pressure regularly at home. Keeping a log of her readings can help her healthcare provider make informed decisions about her treatment plan.

2. Routine Check-ups: Regular visits to a healthcare provider are essential for monitoring blood pressure and adjusting treatment as necessary.
3. Stress Management: Stress can contribute to high blood pressure. Techniques such as mindfulness, meditation, yoga, or deep-breathing exercises can be beneficial.

Specialist Guidance
For managing high blood pressure, your mother should primarily consult a primary care physician or a cardiologist. A primary care physician can provide comprehensive care, including lifestyle counseling and medication management. If her hypertension is complicated by other cardiovascular issues, a cardiologist may be involved in her care.

When to Seek Immediate Care
If your mother experiences symptoms such as severe headache, chest pain, shortness of breath, or vision changes, she should seek immediate medical attention, as these could indicate a hypertensive crisis.

Conclusion
In summary, managing high blood pressure involves a combination of lifestyle changes, medication, and regular monitoring. It is essential for your mother to work closely with her healthcare provider to develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses her specific needs. By taking proactive steps, she can effectively manage her blood pressure and reduce the risk of complications.

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