Treating high blood pressure

If you have been diagnosed with high blood pressure then the next step is to arrange a suitable course of treatment. Your GP will discuss this with you.

Your treatment will be based upon your blood pressure level and the likelihood of you developing a serious health problem such as heart disease or a stroke. One of the main problems with high blood pressure is that it does not usually present with any symptoms which means that it can lie undiagnosed for years. But it is important to have your blood pressure checked on a regular basis to prevent the risk of major illness.

There is no cure for high blood pressure and treatment usually involves controlling it via medication and lifestyle changes. But this might be about to change.

Is there a cure for high blood pressure?

At present, no. High blood pressure is usually controlled rather than cured. However, a revolutionary form of surgery has been trialled which may be a cure for this common condition. This operation may mean that sufferers of high blood pressure don’t have to rely on medication to lower this.

This procedure involves the insertion of a wire into a blood vessel which is near to the kidneys. This will burn through nerves that normally transmit signals to stimulate high blood pressure. The aim is to prevent those signals from the brain reaching the kidneys to trigger high blood pressure.

It is seen as a short term means of lowering high blood pressure but with the aim of becoming a permanent cure.

(Source: The Daily Telegraph: Health News: 26 Dec 2009)

If your high blood pressure is mild as in only just above the normal recommended level (e.g. 120/80) then treatment will consist of making a few lifestyle changes.

But if your blood pressure is high or severely high then you will be prescribed medication to control this as well as changing certain aspects of your lifestyle. Severe cases will be referred to a high blood pressure specialist.

This section includes the following types of treatment for high blood pressure:

• Lifestyle changes
• High blood pressure medication
• Natural remedies

Most people with high blood pressure require some form of medication to lower this and, to maintain this level. It can be difficult to submit to treatment as high blood pressure doesn’t usually cause any symptoms. But, it is important to do so to prevent the risk of serious diseases such as a heart attack or stroke.

Note: treatment will lower your high blood pressure but if it is stooped then your blood pressure will rise again. So, it is important that you continue to take your medication unless otherwise directed.