How Can High Blood Pressure Be Treated?
Hypertension is a word that is used to describe a medical condition of high blood pressure, which is a measurement of the force of blood against the walls of your arteries when blood is pumped throughout the body. The readings are measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg). This reading is given in two numbers – for example, 120 over 75 (120/75 mmHg). The first number is your systolic pressure and it can be dangerous if this number is above 140. The second number is the diastolic pressure, which is considered high if it is over 90.
You can have hypertension if the diastolic pressure is between 120 and 139 and the systolic pressure is between 80 and 89. The likelihood of hypertension increases if you have a history of heart or kidney problems. In such cases, your blood pressure needs to be maintained even lower than people who do not have these conditions. The risk of high blood pressure increases if you are obese, or you have diabetes or you are a smoker. Recent research shows that being an African American also increases your risk of developing hypertension. A proper cause is not identified in most of the cases and this is known as essential hypertension.
This condition can be caused by other medical conditions or by intake of certain medications and this is known as secondary hypertension. This type of hypertension could be because of alcohol use, atherosclerosis, chronic kidney disease, cocaine use, and diabetes. Some medications that cause secondary hypertension are corticosteroids, birth control pills, appetite suppressants, and migraine medications. Some of the common symptoms of this condition are confusion, fatigue, nosebleed, ear noise, vision changes in and ear buzzing. If you are suffering from severe headache or any other symptoms mentioned above, you should call a doctor immediately.
Various medications and therapies are available on the market for the treatment of this condition but only a few of these drugs and therapies are effective. One of the medications that is not only effective but also safer than others is Ramipril. This prescription medication is used for the treatment of congestive heart failure and high blood pressure. It belongs to a class of medications known as ACE inhibitors. Just like other drugs, Ramipril also has some mild side effects but it is not necessary that you will suffer from side effects if you use it. Always use this drug as prescribed.
Amlodipine is also an effective medication that helps in the treatment of this condition. Amlodipine is a medication that works by relaxing blood vessels and improving the flow of blood in the body. Other than hypertension, this drug is also used for the treatment of coronary artery disease. Do not use this drug if you have a liver problem or congestive heart failure. Intake of alcohol can increase the side effects of this drug and it is best to avoid consumption of alcohol when you use this drug. Always consult a doctor before using any drug for the treatment of high blood pressure.
