High blood pressure is caused by the high pressure of the blood against the vessel wall. This condition, also called hypertension, can be life-threatening. Since it usually progresses without symptoms, it is not possible to predict its symptoms. However, when blood pressure reaches a very high level, it can suddenly show symptoms. Dizziness, headaches, nosebleeds, weakness, and other symptoms are common. These symptoms are very important because they can lead to different complications. It can lead to cardiovascular or brain diseases, which require urgent intervention. Therefore, when these symptoms of high blood pressure are observed, it is necessary to go to one of the health care facilities immediately.

How Is High Blood Pressure Diagnosed?

There are certain blood pressure values for adults and young people. When these values are above a certain number, this indicates high blood pressure. If a blood pressure value above 130/80 mm Hg is seen, it indicates that the person may have high blood pressure. First of all, the patient is examined by a doctor with a stethoscope to diagnose this condition. During the examination, information about symptoms and medical history is obtained. The person’s blood pressure is then measured using a blood pressure measuring device. It is usually possible to decide based on the blood pressure reading. However, detailed diagnostic methods are also used to confirm the suspicion of hypertension.

Detailed diagnostic methods for high blood pressure include an electrocardiogram, 24-hour blood pressure monitoring, and echocardiography. Laboratory tests are also performed. It is critical not to eat, drink, or sleep before being diagnosed with high blood pressure. It is also necessary to go to the hospital for check-ups in the days following the diagnosis under specialist supervision. The appropriate treatment procedure is used based on the blood pressure value, the person’s other diseases, and age. High blood pressure is diagnosed when the blood pressure is 130/80 and above. There are also two different stages of high blood pressure. These stages of high blood pressure are given below:

In the first stage of hypertension, the highest blood pressure is 130 to 139 mm Hg, and the lowest is 80 to 89 mm Hg.

The second stage of hypertension is defined by blood pressure levels of 140 mm Hg or higher, with 90 mm Hg being the lowest.

High Blood Pressure Treatment

High blood pressure treatment aims to reduce it below 130/80 mm Hg. The person must first make some changes in his or her life for this. In particular, the person should eat a healthy diet and avoid fatty foods to ensure weight control. Consuming fatty and salty foods is the type of diet that triggers high blood pressure. A diet high in fruits, vegetables, and dairy products aids in the reduction of high blood pressure. Regular exercise and walking can also help prevent this condition. If a person has been diagnosed with high blood pressure and also smokes and drinks alcohol, these habits should also be abandoned. It is also important to deal with stress to control blood pressure. These are all warnings that the doctor should incorporate into the patient’s life before treatment for hypertension is started.

If a person’s blood pressure remains high despite lifestyle changes, appropriate treatment procedures are initiated. Individualized medication is usually prescribed to reduce high blood pressure. The type and dose of medication are determined by the doctor and prescribed individually. The medication depends on the person’s general state of health and high blood pressure level. One or more medicines may be needed. Medicines used in the treatment of high blood pressure are usually as follows:

Calcium Channel Blockers: This type of medicine prevents calcium from entering the muscle cells of the heart and blood vessels. As a result, the heart and blood vessels relax, and blood pressure drops.

Water Pills (Diuretics): Water pills, which help to remove sodium and water, are medicines to reduce high blood pressure. One of the diuretics is given to the patient according to blood pressure measurements. The main effects of these medicines are usually frequent urination and a change in heart rhythm. However, a good potassium level is maintained.

Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme (ACE) İnhibitors: These drugs, which are beneficial to blood vessels, also prevent natural chemical reactions in the blood vessels. These drugs are also available in different types according to blood pressure values.

Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers (Arbs): These drugs prevent the narrowing of blood vessels and are functionally identical to ACE inhibitors.

These are the medicines generally used to treat high blood pressure. If the targeted blood pressure value cannot be reached with the use of these medicines, different medicines are prescribed by the doctor. Other types of medicines used in the treatment of high blood pressure are as follows:

• Beta-blockers
• Renin-inhibitors
• Alpha-blockers
• Alpha-beta blockers
• Aldosterone antagonists
• Central-acting agents
• Vasodilators

Because high blood pressure is a serious and chronic condition, medication must be prescribed. It is also important to take them in the doses and for the duration prescribed by the doctor. Therefore, medication should not be stopped abruptly, otherwise, it may cause different types of high blood pressure to occur. Do not switch to a different type of medication or stop taking it without consulting a doctor.

Blood pressure can be lowered without medication. If your blood pressure is not very high and you do not need to take medication, you can make the following lifestyle changes:

• Reduce the amount of salt in your diet to reduce high blood pressure.
• Do not neglect regular walking and exercise. Sedentism can result in high blood pressure.
• Poor sleep quality is also important for blood pressure patients as it triggers many diseases. As a result, you should get enough consistent sleep.
• You should manage stress. For this, you can make stress-reducing practices a habit. Intense stress is also one of the risk factors that cause this condition.

If you suffer from chronic high blood pressure, you can get a home blood pressure monitor. This way, you can measure and check your blood pressure regularly.  If you observe high blood pressure, you should consult support from the health team.