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Essential hypertension
Alternative Names: Hypertension - essential Treatment: As part of your treatment, it is important to have your blood pressure checked by your doctor at regular intervals. Your doctor will tell you how often that needs to be. Text Continues Below You may want to consider a home blood pressure monitor as well. Bring the readings to your doctor when you go for your visits. Necessary lifestyle changes to help bring your blood pressure down include: Weight loss if you have extra pounds Regular exercise Follow a low fat diet rich in fish, chicken, whole grains, fruits and vegetables, and very light on red meats Limit sodium intake; talk to your doctor or nutritionist about how best to do this Medications that may be prescribed are listed below. Many people need 2 or more medications to control blood pressure. Diuretics Beta-blockers Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, Angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) Calcium channel blockers Hydralazine, clonidine, doxazosin, and prazosin Expectations (prognosis): Essential hypertension is controllable with proper treatment. It requires lifelong monitoring, and treatment may require periodic adjustments. Complications: Untreated hypertension can lead to: Heart attacks Congestive heart failure Other heart damage Blood vessel damage (atherosclerosis) Kidney damage Stroke Loss of vision Page:  1 | 2 | Next >>