Numerous High Blood Pressure Treatment Options Available

For patients with high blood pressure treatment options should be discussed with their care provider with the most effective plan chosen to meet their individual needs. Depending on the severity of the high blood pressure and the cause, if known, high blood pressure treatment may include everything from simple lifestyle changes to medication and include testing for other medical problems. With over 60 million Americans suffering from high blood pressure there are numerous options available making it probable for everyone to get help in lowering their blood pressure.

Normal blood pressure is considered to be 120 over 80, and in these patients there is little to be concerned with, however by following a healthy diet and maintaining a healthy weight they can reduce the chances of developing high blood pressure. High blood pressure treatment may be recommended for patients with slightly elevated blood pressure with a systolic pressure of 120 to 139 and a diastolic pressure of 80 to 89, or any combination of them.

The top number, the systolic pressure, is the amount of pressure put on the interior of the arteries when the heart is pumping. The lower number, the diastolic pressure, is the amount of pressure on the artery walls when the heart is resting between beats. Without appropriate high blood pressure treatment, thinner arteries can be damaged by uncontrolled high blood pressure.

Lifestyle Changes Can Make A Difference

In many cases of slight high blood pressure treatment may include losing weight, if the patient is overweight or obese. Consuming less calories than the person's activity will burn is the most effective means of losing weight as many fasting or fad diets can bring on additional health problems. Many times people with high blood pressure also have diabetes and the high blood pressure treatment will be used in conjunction with the diabetes treatment and lifestyle changes to improve their overall health.

Persons who smoke are also advised to quit as smoking can constrict blood vessels, making it more difficult for a high blood pressure treatment to be effective. Alcohol, although classified as a sedative, can interact with many blood pressure medications and persons are advised to limit their alcohol intake to not more than two drinks a day.

When lifestyle changes do not effectively lower a person's blood pressure additional high blood pressure treatment may include medications and if the care provide prescribes medicine, it needs to be taken as directed to provide the best high blood pressure treatment possible.