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What are the Different Kinds of Remedies for Hypertension?

D. Waldman
D. Waldman

The two most common remedies for hypertension include lifestyle changes and prescription drug therapy. Reducing or eliminating high risk factors, such as obesity, cigarette smoking, alcohol consumption, and salt intake, can significantly reduce blood pressure levels, creating viable remedies for hypertension. When lifestyle changes either cannot be made or simply are not an issue, doctors may rely on various prescription medications, such as beta-blockers or diuretics, to help decrease blood pressure.

Proper exercise and diet are effective remedies for hypertension because they address some of the most frequently noted risk factors that make individuals more susceptible to developing hypertension in the first place. Consuming a diet full of processed foods and high in fat and sodium can increase the stress levels placed on the circulatory system which, in turn, works to increase blood pressure. The same effect results when a healthy exercise routine is not followed and obesity is left untreated.

Cigarette smoking often causes hypertension, so quitting can help lower blood pressure.
Cigarette smoking often causes hypertension, so quitting can help lower blood pressure.

Other risky lifestyle choices include cigarette smoking and alcohol consumption. Like obesity, cigarette smoking puts a great strain on the cardiovascular system and the body in general. It also robs the body of much-needed oxygen that it needs to function properly. Excessive alcohol consumption, typically involving more than one or two drinks per day, tends to overwork the heart and circulatory system, increasing the effects of hypertension. The elimination of these choices can prove to be effective remedies for hypertension.

Older men are at an increased risk of hypertension.
Older men are at an increased risk of hypertension.

If lifestyle changes are not viable remedies for hypertension, prescription drugs may be used. Diuretics, also known as water pills, help to eliminate excess liquid from the body, generally lowering blood pressure and reducing the symptoms of hypertension. Other remedies for hypertension using prescription drugs involve the use of beta-blockers, designed specifically to decrease heart rate by affecting the nerve controls in the heart itself. Alpha-blockers and calcium channel-blockers are two more of the many prescription remedies for hypertension—both work to inhibit the arteries from being able to restrict, which allows for increased blood flow and decreased blood pressure.

Capsules for hypertension.
Capsules for hypertension.

While many patients may only need one or two remedies for hypertension in order to reduce the effects, others may need to address their hypertension with multiple courses of treatment. These may include losing weight by eating healthier and starting an exercise program or quitting smoking or drinking in conjunction with prescription drug therapy. For individuals not suffering from hypertension, following the lifestyle guidelines may also drastically reduce the chances of developing hypertension later in life.

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    • Cigarette smoking often causes hypertension, so quitting can help lower blood pressure.
      By: Николай Григорьев
      Cigarette smoking often causes hypertension, so quitting can help lower blood pressure.
    • Older men are at an increased risk of hypertension.
      By: Rob
      Older men are at an increased risk of hypertension.
    • Capsules for hypertension.
      By: Sergey Lavrentev
      Capsules for hypertension.
    • Prolonged physical inactivity and too much dietary sodium may contribute to hypertension.
      By: Pixinoo
      Prolonged physical inactivity and too much dietary sodium may contribute to hypertension.
    • People with high blood pressure often need to make dietary changes and steer clear of foods that are high in fat and cholesterol.
      By: michaeljung
      People with high blood pressure often need to make dietary changes and steer clear of foods that are high in fat and cholesterol.
    • Vasodilators are common high blood pressure medications.
      By: krutoeva
      Vasodilators are common high blood pressure medications.