Hypertension, a preventable disease

 

 

Hypertension causes enormous damage in our communities. It is therefore necessary to have an idea of ​​different behaviors to adopt to avoid falling into the blood pressure trap.

 

Currently the main types of antihypertensives on the market include:

From the outset, it should be noted that there are several families of medications to combat hypertension. The doctor will choose one or more, depending on each patient's history and comorbidities. If side effects appear, the doctor may reduce the dose or change the class of medication.

Here are four of the most common classes.

- Diuretics — such as indapamide (Lozide) and furosemide (Lasix)

Diuretics are often among the first medications prescribed for hypertension. In particular, they help the kidneys eliminate sodium, which plays an important role in the development of hypertension, and water, which reduces the amount of fluid in the body and therefore blood pressure. Diuretics also cause blood vessels to dilate, which helps lower blood pressure. Since they promote the elimination of water, they make you urinate more often.

- Calcium channel blockers — such as amlodipine (Norvasc) or felodipine

Calcium channel blockers (or inhibitors) are vasodilators, that is, they dilate blood vessels. This facilitates the passage of blood and reduces the strain on the heart. Their known side effects include fatigue, dizziness, heartburn and swelling of the feet or ankles, according to the list compiled by the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada.

- Beta blockers — such as bisoprolol or acebutolol

Beta-blockers, or beta-adrenergic receptor blocking agents, are used to combat several cardiovascular diseases such as angina or heart failure. They can also be effective against hypertension, since by reducing the heart rate and the force of contraction of the heart, they also reduce blood pressure. As they affect the heart rate, it is important to avoid prescribing beta-blockers to people over 60, at least for the sole treatment of hypertension.

- Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors — such as lisinopril and benazepril

This type of medication acts on a hormonal system with a complicated name, the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system. This helps regulate blood pressure by influencing the constriction of vessels. Inhibitors are particularly recommended for diabetics, since they also protect against nephropathy, a complication of diabetes that can lead to kidney failure. The most commonly reported side effect is a dry cough.

 Hypertension can be prevented by certain disciplines to include in life.

Hypertension (high blood pressure) occurs when the pressure in your blood vessels is too high (140/90 mmHg or more). It is common but can be serious if left untreated.

People with high blood pressure may not experience symptoms. The only way to know is to have your blood pressure checked.

Things that increase the risk of having high blood pressure include: older age, genetics, being overweight or obese, not being physically active, diet high in salt, drinking too much alcohol.

Lifestyle changes like eating healthier, quitting smoking and being more active can help lower blood pressure. Some people may still need to take medication.

Blood pressure is written as two numbers. The first number (systolic) represents the pressure in the blood vessels when the heart contracts or beats. The second number (diastolic) represents the pressure in the vessels when the heart rests between beats.

Hypertension is diagnosed if, when measured on two different days, the systolic blood pressure on both days is ≥140 mmHg and/or the diastolic blood pressure on both days is ≥90 mmHg.

Yes, indeed, lifestyle changes can help reduce high blood pressure and can help anyone suffering from hypertension. Many who make these changes will still need to take medication. These lifestyle changes can help prevent and reduce high blood pressure.

It is advisable to eat more vegetables and fruits and sit less. Be more physically active, which may include walking, running, swimming, dancing, or activities that build strength, like lifting weights. Do at least 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes per week of vigorous aerobic activity, Do muscle-strengthening exercises 2 or more days each week, Lose weight if you are overweight or obese, Take medications prescribed by your healthcare professional, keep appointments with your healthcare professional.

But besides this, it is advisable not to eat too salty (try to stay below 2 grams per day), not to eat foods rich in saturated or trans fats, not to smoke or smoke, to do not drink too much alcohol (1 glass per day maximum for women, 2 for men), do not miss or share medications.

Reducing hypertension prevents heart attacks, strokes and kidney damage, as well as other health problems.

Then it is best for a good lifestyle to reduce the risk of hypertension by reducing and managing stress, checking blood pressure regularly, treating high blood pressure, managing other medical conditions.

Cassien Tribunal Aungane, Editor