Hypertension – Management
- Lifestyle Modifications
- Healthy Diet: Follow the DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet—rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy.
- Salt Reduction: Limit sodium intake to less than 5 grams per day to help lower blood pressure.
- Weight Management: Maintain a healthy body weight; even modest weight loss can significantly reduce blood pressure.
- Regular Exercise: Engage in at least 30 minutes of moderate aerobic activity (like walking or cycling) most days of the week.
- Limit Alcohol: Reduce alcohol intake—no more than one drink per day for women and two for men.
- Quit Smoking: Stopping smoking improves overall cardiovascular health and lowers blood pressure.
- Stress Management: Practice relaxation techniques such as yoga, meditation, and deep breathing exercises.
- Medication Management
- Antihypertensive Drugs: Use medications like ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, diuretics, calcium channel blockers, or ARBs as prescribed.
- Regular Monitoring: Monitor blood pressure at home and attend regular check-ups to assess treatment effectiveness.
- Adherence to Therapy: Take medications consistently as prescribed to maintain stable blood pressure.
- Health Education and Support
- Educate patients about the importance of long-term control, potential complications, and lifestyle changes.
- Encourage participation in support groups or chronic disease management programs.
Effective management of hypertension reduces the risk of stroke, heart disease, kidney damage, and other complications.