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High blood pressure, also called hypertension, develops when blood pressure pushing through your vessels is consistently too high. You are more likely to develop hypertension if you have a family history of the condition, are older than fifty-five years, take foods high in sodium, are overweight, or drink too much alcohol. In most cases, high blood pressure McKinney does not show symptoms, so it is essential you get regular checkups. Untreated high blood pressure can lead to stroke, heart attack, kidney disease, eye damage, peripheral vascular disease, or vascular dementia.
Which are the different types of high blood pressure?
There are two types of high blood pressure, which include:
Primary hypertension
Primary hypertension, also known as essential hypertension, is a form of high blood pressure that develops over time. It is the most common kind of hypertension. There are various factors that contribute to the development of primary high blood pressure, including genes, age, race, being obese, and high alcohol consumption. High sodium intake, living with diabetes, and a sedentary lifestyle are other aspects that play a role in developing primary hypertension.
Secondary hypertension
Secondary hypertension usually develops rapidly and can be more severe than essential high blood pressure. Several conditions can lead to secondary hypertension, including kidney disease, obstructive sleep apnea, congenital heart defects, thyroid issues, and side effects of certain medications. Use of illegal drugs, chronic consumption of alcohol, adrenal gland issues, and certain endocrine tumors can also lead to secondary hypertension.
Treatment options for high blood pressure
Medications
There are various medications that can help treat high blood pressure. Your doctor may have to try different medications until the provider finds one or a combination that suits your type of hypertension. Here are common hypertension medications.
Beta-blockers
Beta-blockers slow your heartbeat, minimizing the blood your heart pumps through your arteries with each beat, lowering blood pressure. These drugs also block certain hormones that can raise blood pressure.
Diuretics
High sodium levels and excess fluid in your blood can lead to high blood pressure. Diuretics are medicines that help your body get rid of excess sodium. Excess fluid moves into your urine as sodium is removed, lowering your blood pressure.
ACE inhibitors
Angiotensin chemical makes your blood vessels and artery walls tight and narrow. ACE (angiotensin-converting enzyme) inhibitors prevent your body from producing too much angiotensin. Less angiotensin helps blood vessels relax and lower blood pressure.
Calcium channel blockers
Calcium channel blockers block some amount of calcium from entering heart muscles. This blockage causes less forceful heartbeats and lower blood pressure. Calcium channel blockers also help blood vessels relax, lowering blood pressure.
Lifestyle changes
Lifestyle changes can help manage your hypertension and reduce the risk of complications like heart disease and stroke. Common lifestyle modifications that can help manage high blood pressure include eating a healthy diet, increasing physical activity, maintaining average weight, quitting smoking, and limiting alcohol consumption.
Schedule an appointment at Redwood Family Health Center for high blood pressure treatment to avoid severe health complications.
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