Blog: Understanding High Blood Pressure By Dr Sumi Shretha

What is high blood pressure?

High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a medical condition where the blood pressure in the blood vessel is persistently elevated. This condition, often symptomless, affects approximately 30% of adults in the UK and is a significant risk factor for heart attacks, strokes, and other serious health problems.

By Dr Sumi Shretha

What is normal blood pressure?

Normal blood pressure levels vary by age but generally should be below 140/90 mmHg for those under 80 years old, and below 150/90 mmHg for those over 80 years old.

What are the symptoms of high blood pressure?

High blood pressure, often symptomless, may present with symptoms such as headache, dizziness, and changes in vision. These symptoms can occur in some individuals but are not universally experienced. It's important to note that high blood pressure is frequently detected through routine medical checks rather than by its symptoms.

I have been diagnosed with high blood pressure, what does it mean for me?

It means that your heart is exerting more effort to pump blood throughout your body. This condition increases your risk of serious health complications such as heart attacks, strokes, and damage to the kidneys and eyes.

The severity of these risks correlates with the level of your blood pressure; higher readings indicate a greater likelihood of developing these issues. Managing high blood pressure is essential through lifestyle changes like diet and exercise, as well as possibly medications prescribed by your healthcare provider.

Regular monitoring and adherence to treatment plans are crucial to reduce the risks associated with hypertension and maintain overall health. The risk of these debilitating complications

What are my options?

When managing high blood pressure, you have several options, each with its own considerations and potential outcomes. Regular monitoring and consultation with healthcare professionals are crucial to tailor the most effective treatment plan for your individual needs. 

You can:

• Choose to do nothing, but this increases your risk of stroke or heart attack, though these events are not certain. However, the risk of damage to your heart, brain, kidneys, and eyes remains elevated without intervention. 
• Make lifestyle changes such as adopting a healthy diet, regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, and reducing salt intake can significantly lower blood pressure and reduce your risk of cardiovascular events. While these changes are preventive and improve overall health, they may not achieve adequate blood pressure control for everyone.
• Combine lifestyle adjustments with prescribed medications, these can provide enhanced blood pressure control, further lowering the risk of stroke, heart attack, and other complications. However, medications may occasionally cause low blood pressure or mild side effects, which can often be managed or minimized. 

What medications could I try to control my blood pressure?

When managing high blood pressure, there are several medication options available, categorized into six main classes, each working differently to lower blood pressure.These include Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme (ACE) Inhibitors like Lisinopril and Ramipril, Angiotensin Receptor Blockers (ARBs) such as Losartan and Candesartan, Calcium-Channel Blockers like Amlodipine and Lacidipine, Thiazide Diuretics such as  Indapamide, Beta-Blockers like Bisoprolol, and Alpha Blockers such as Doxazosin. Additionally, there is also Potassium-sparing diuretics like Spironolactone.

Treatment selection is tailored to individual factors like age, ethnicity, and other medical conditions, influencing the efficacy and side effects of each medication. It's common to try different medications or combinations if the first choice is ineffective or causes side effects. Long-term management involves regular monitoring and adjustments to maintain optimal blood pressure control, ensuring ongoing health and well-being.

Except medications, what else can I do to help lower my blood pressure?

In addition to medications, there are several lifestyles changes you can make to help lower your blood pressure:     

• Quitting smoking and limiting alcohol intake to less than 14 units per week can significantly improve blood pressure levels.
• Engaging in regular physical activity is also crucial, as it helps to maintain a healthy weight and lower blood pressure.
• Dietary changes play a key role: consuming at least five portions of fruits and vegetables daily, ideally aiming for 7-9 portions, provides essential nutrients and fiber that contribute to lowering blood pressure. Making a third of meals starch based with wholegrain options like brown rice and wholegrain pasta increases fiber intake and supports heart health. Opting for low-fat alternatives, reducing fatty foods, and choosing lean cuts of meat or poultry without skin can further help lower saturated fat intake. Including 2-3 portions of fish per week, with at least one being oily fish, provides beneficial omega-3 fatty acids. When cooking, using healthier oils like rapeseed or olive oil instead of butter is recommended.
• Reducing salt intake is crucial for managing blood pressure, as excess salt can contribute to hypertension. 

Published: Aug 14, 2024