How is high blood pressure treated?
Your
doctor will determine if you are at risk of high blood pressure by taking your family history, performing a complete physical examination and carrying out blood tests.
Although high blood pressure cannot be cured, in most cases it can be controlled. Blood pressure is usually defined as controlled if it is below
140/90 mmHg and even lower for people with
other conditions, such as diabetes and kidney disease. If you have high blood pressure your doctor will set a target and start you on a treatment program.
The type of treatment will depend on your current blood pressure level and the number of risk factors you have. Initial treatment usually involves lifestyle modifications such as changing your diet. However medication may be needed either from the outset or later on if lifestyle modification is insufficient.
The management of high blood pressure can be achieved through simple lifestyle changes that may reduce the need on the heart to pump so hard or reduce your blood volume. Besides improving your blood pressure level, these lifestyle changes will also benefit your overall health.
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Should lifestyle changes become insufficient to achieve or maintain a normal blood pressure, then many medical treatments available and a doctor may try different types until the one that works for you is found.
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