Treatment
By Craig Weber, M.D., About.com Guide to High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure treatment is a wide reaching and complex subject. Lifestyle modifications, specific medications, and ongoing monitoring options are all involved in a well rounded discussion of high blood pressure treatment. Learn about different options for treatment, making prescription decisions, and how to make sure your doctor is properly monitoring your progress.
- Treatment Goals and Guidelines
- Medications & Combination Therapy
- Blood Pressure Monitoring
- Lifestyle Changes
Treatment Goals and Guidelines
There are many options in the treatment of high blood pressure. Medicines, lifestyle changes, and other interventions are all used in different combinations depending on specific patient characteristics. While the goal of high blood pressure treatment is always to reduce the blood pressure, the specific target numbers differ depending on whether the individual being treated is a "complicated" or "uncomplicated" patient.
Medications & Combination Therapy
There are many different medicines available to treat high blood pressure, each with its own benefits and side effects. Learn about the most common and popular medicines prescribed for high blood pressure treatment, and when treatment with a single drug might not be enough.
- Which High Blood Pressure Medication is the Best?
- Medication Recommendations for Specific Types of Patients
Blood Pressure Monitoring
Proper blood pressure monitoring is the key to both avoiding high blood pressure and preventing complications if high blood pressure develops. Learn how often your blood pressure should be checked, how to monitor your own blood pressure at home, and the different tools and methods used to keep an accurate blood pressure tally.
Lifestyle Changes
Lifestyle changes are the most important factor in preventing high blood pressure as well as minimizing the impact of elevated blood pressure on other organ systems. Exercise, healthy eating, and avoiding tobacco and excess alcohol are the cornerstones of positive lifestyle change, but there are many ways - large and small - to make a positive impact on your health through changes to your daily habits.
