Blood pressure is the force that blood exerts against the artery walls (arteries are blood vessels that carry blood from the heart to every part of the body). This pressure depends on the resistance of the arteries and determines how hard the heart has to work to pump blood. High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a common condition in which the force of the blood flowing through the arteries is consistently elevated. Untreated hypertension can lead to serious health problems and increase the risk of heart attack, heart disease, and stroke. 

High blood pressure is called a "silent killer" because it often does not cause any obvious warning symptoms. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that nearly 1 in 2 Americans has high blood pressure (with many people unaware of their condition). Certain physical traits and harmful lifestyle choices may increase your risk of developing high blood pressure, but healthy habits can help prevent and control it.

Causes of High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure typically develops over time, most commonly due to unhealthy lifestyle choices. Risk factors include a lack of regular exercise, smoking, eating a high-salt diet, and being overweight or obese. Diabetes increases the risk of developing high blood pressure, as does sleep apnea. Sometimes, no cause can be identified for a person's high blood pressure—this is known as essential hypertension. It is important to manage high blood pressure because without treatment it can damage organs like the heart, brain, eyes, and kidneys. 

Diagnosis of High Blood Pressure

Blood pressure is measured with two numbers and expressed as mm Hg (millimeters of mercury). The first number is called the systolic blood pressure and it is a measure of the pressure in the arteries when the heart contracts. The second number is called the diastolic blood pressure and it is a measure of the pressure when the heart relaxes between beats. If your blood pressure reading is 120/80 mm Hg, 120 is the systolic and 80 is the diastolic pressure.

Normal blood pressure is 120/80 mm Hg. You can monitor your blood pressure at home with a small device such as a wrist cuff. If you note that your blood pressure is high on several occasions, you should seek medical attention. Health professionals diagnose people with high blood pressure when their reading is consistently 130-140/80-90 mm Hg or higher.

Medications for High Blood Pressure

There are several lifestyle changes you can make to lower your blood pressure, such as getting at least 150 minutes of physical activity every week, limiting sodium (salt) in your diet, limiting alcohol intake, keeping a healthy weight, and managing stress. However, your high blood pressure may need to be treated with medications called antihypertensives to reduce the risk of heart disease and other health complications. Some of the medications used to treat high blood pressure are:

• Diuretics help to control blood pressure by helping the body get rid of excess salt and water.
• Beta-blockers lower blood pressure and reduce the workload of the heart by reducing the output of blood from the heart.
• ACE inhibitors relax the blood vessels and cause them to open up, thus lowering blood pressure.
• Angiotensin II receptor blockers help the blood vessels to stay open and reduce blood pressure.
• Calcium channel blockers open up narrowed blood vessels, reduce heart rate, and lower blood pressure.
• Alpha-blockers relax the arteries and reduce resistance to blood flow, thus reducing blood pressure.

Over-the-Counter Medications for Hypertension

There are no FDA-approved over-the-counter medications for high blood pressure. If lifestyle changes have not lowered your blood pressure and your doctor thinks you need medicine, you will be given a prescription.

It is worth remembering that some OTC medicines contain ingredients that can make your blood pressure go up or make your hypertension medicines less effective. Always speak to your doctor or pharmacist before taking an OTC medicine.

Common Side Effects of Blood Pressure Medications

If you have been prescribed medication for hypertension and are experiencing side effects, you should report these symptoms to your doctor. They may be able to adjust the dose of your antihypertensive drug or switch you to another type of medication that will be better tolerated. Some of the common side effects of antihypertensive medications are listed below. 

• Diuretics can decrease the level of minerals in the body, such as potassium, leading to side effects like leg cramps and weakness. 
• Common side effects of beta-blockers include insomnia, fatigue, depression, slow heartbeat, and cold hands and feet.
• Possible side effects of ACE inhibitors include dry cough, skin rash, and loss of taste.
• Angiotensin II receptor blockers can cause occasional dizziness.
• Notable side effects of calcium channel blockers include palpitations, constipation, dizziness, headache, and swelling of the ankles.
• Alpha-blockers can cause a fast heart rate and dizziness as side effects.

Common Questions

How do I know if I have high blood pressure?

High blood pressure often does not cause any symptoms. That's why it is important to attend routine check-ups with a primary care physician. It is especially important to keep an eye on your blood pressure if you have a family history (close relative with hypertension).

What type of diet should I follow if I have high blood pressure?

The DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet is an effective way to manage high blood pressure. It involves eating more vegetables, fruits, and low-fat dairy products, as well as whole grains, nuts, and lean meats like fish and poultry. The DASH diet also involves eating less red meats, sugary foods, and fried foods that are high in cholesterol and saturated fats. Last but not least, limiting foods with high salt content is an effective dietary modification outlined in the DASH diet to control blood pressure.

Can I get a discount on high blood pressure medication with BuzzRx?

Yes, you can get discounts on medicines—including high blood pressure—as long as you have a signed prescription from your doctor.

References:
1. https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure/the-facts-about-high-blood-pressure#.WV4gedPyvMI
2. https://www.cdc.gov/bloodpressure/about.htm
3. https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure/changes-you-can-make-to-manage-high-blood-pressure/types-of-blood-pressure-medications
4. https://share.upmc.com/2015/06/high-blood-pressure-over-the-counter-medicine-risks/