Controlling High Blood Pressure Through High Blood Pressure Medication
One of the medical conditions that can cause a number of physical ailments within the human body is known as the “silent killer.” This “silent killer” is a medical condition known as high blood pressure and is so named because many people do not know that they have high blood pressure. Subsequently those individuals who have high blood pressure and this condition is left untreated may suffer from other medical conditions.
Therefore, if it is determined that the individual’s blood pressure is high there are a number of treatments available to control this medical condition. One of those treatment methods is through high blood pressure medication.
What Is High Blood Pressure?
High blood pressure is a serious medical condition of the circulatory system within the body. Specifically, it is a measurement which is defined in terms of systolic pressure over diastolic pressure.
The systolic pressure is a measurement of the pressure that is exerted against the inner arterial walls. It is also an indicator of how hard the heart is working to ensure that the blood is being circulated throughout the arterial system. On the other hand, the diastolic figure is representative of the rest the heart receives in between heartbeats.
Therefore, a person’s blood pressure is measured with two numbers and subsequently the higher the numbers the greater the blood pressure. In addition, the higher the blood pressure the greater the individual is at risk for various other medical conditions. Some of those medical conditions could include kidney failure, heart attack, stroke, etc.
What Causes High Blood Pressure?
There are many physical and emotional causes for an individual to experience high blood pressure. Some of those physical causes could be due to diet and more specifically a diet that is high in cholesterol, salt intake, etc.
In addition, an individual may be subject to high blood pressure due to their genetic makeup. Finally, stress in an individual’s life can be a major contributor to high blood pressure.
Control Through High Blood Pressure Medication
The good news for the individual who is experiencing high blood pressure is that there are a number of things that the individual can do to control high blood pressure. One of the most common ways for an individual to control high blood pressure is by taking high blood pressure medication. High blood pressure medication needs to be prescribed by a licensed doctor and is generally prescribed in keeping with what best matches the particular cause of the person’s high blood pressure.
For example one particular high blood pressure medication is a diuretic. This particular high blood pressure medication helps to decrease the density of the blood that is circulating through the individual’s blood system. In addition, a diuretic high blood pressure medication helps to rid the body of excess water.
Another type of high blood pressure medication is what is known as a calcium channel blocker. The effect of this medication on the human body is the opening up of the blood vessels which allow the blood to have a freer flow throughout the system. This in turn then helps to decrease the individual’s blood pressure.
However, there may be a downside to taking high blood pressure medication. That downside is the possibility of blood pressure medication side effects. For example if an individual takes a diuretic the may experience the side effect of gout. Additionally, if an individual takes a calcium channel blocker they may become constipated.
Blood Pressure Medications
Are you currently taking medicine for your blood pressure? Do you take other medication as well? Remembering to take any medicine can be a hassle to some people especially if you have to take more than one at a time. Here are a few things that might help you remember because it is very important you do not forget to take your blood pressure medication.
Some people purchase little pill boxes that help you organize your pills. You can purchase pill boxes that have one for every day of the week. You put all the pills you need to take into each box for each day. You can purchase these almost anywhere and they do come in handy for those that are forgetful.
If you take medicine regularly you might try keeping it on your bathroom sink. When you finish getting ready or even just brushing your teeth, you can take your medicine. Have your blood pressure medicine and any other medication that you have to take right there. This is a great easy reminder.
Get into a routine. Taking your blood pressure pills at the same time every day will eventually get you in the habit and you won’t forget. If you have to take your medicine with food you could always take them every day with your lunch. Getting in the habit of this is a great way to never forget your blood pressure pills again.
There are many people that put notes everywhere to remind them to do something. Taking your blood pressure medicine is no different. Put up a note on your fridge or on your computer at work. Every other day or every week change the colour of the note and place it in a different spot; on the phone, the mirror, the fridge, wherever you will see it.
A really great way to remember to take your blood pressure medicine is to make your own little personal chart. Try to use different colour pens or pencils if you have different medications to take. This is a very neat and organized way to keep track and to help you remember.
If none of these would work for you, try having a friend or relative give you a quick call during the day to remind you. While this might sound effective it may not work as well for some. If you take your blood pressure medicine while you are on the phone with them it can be very helpful. If they just call to tell you and then you hang up, you might forget in that time.
If you have a computer and are savvy enough you could set up a reminder. You can also find free services that will do this for you and send you a reminder email. Have it tell you to take your blood pressure and have it repeat until you have taken it and then delete it. Make it do this daily and you will remember to take your blood pressure medicine.
You can easily come up with your own creative ways of remembering to take your blood pressure medication. Try a few different ways and see what works best for you. Once you get into a routine of taking it you shouldn’t have a problem remembering to take it.
High and Low Blood Pressure Tips and Medication!
High blood pressure is on the rise worldwide. But, doctors believe that small lifestyle changes can go a long way in preventing this silent killer.
High blood pressure (BP) is one of the 10 leading health risks worldwide and causes seven million deaths a year, according to WHO report. The organisation estimates that about one-third adults in most countries suffer from high blood pressure.
Here are some steps to control your Blood Pressure (BP)!
- Shed those extra kilos. Cut down on calories. The more overweight you are, the more susceptible you are to high BP.
- Stop smoking. This will keep your BP in control and will also diminish your risk of cancer and cardiovascular diseases.
- Add more fruits, vegetables and low-fat diary products to your diet.
- Eat foods high in calcium, magnesium and potassium like banana, raisins, potato and dates.
- Reduce your salt intake as it is linked to high BP. According to experts, one shouldn’t consume more than 2 grams of sodium per day.
- Curb your alcohol consumption as excessive alcohol raises your BP.
- Exercise regularly. A 30-minute workout is healthy.
- Use relaxation methods like yoga, meditation and biofeedback to lower your stress levels.
Not many know that high blood pressure can lead to heart and kidney ailments and may be fatal too. Those who have recently become hypertensive can heal themselves by losing weight, increasing physical activity, curbing alcohol consumption, increasing fruit content in their diet and practicing yoga.
Exercise Tips to fight Hypertension!
- Low level aerobic training (biking, treadmill)
- Walking
- Water aerobics, swimming
- Resistance Training (Bench Press, squats and leg press)
- Circuit training
A Brief Overview On High Blood Pressure Medicines
High blood pressure happens to be a widespread disease among people all around the world but we, Americans due to increased level of cholesterol, are more prone to this malady that often results in severe complications. There could be various reasons for why heart exerts more pressure on the blood flow that is popularly known as high blood pressure.
One common reason among Americans is widespread occurrence of high level of cholesterol. In case you discover yourself with this disease, you are needed to lay stress on dietary control. Life style changes greatly contribute in curbing hypertension. But a consistent rise in blood pressure must be treated by medications in consultation with doctor. There exist some over the counter medicines that you should strictly avoid in favour of prescription medications.
There are four common groups of high blood pressure medication that are as follows:
Angiotensin- Converting Enzyme (ACE) Inhibitors
With the help of these medications, functions of enzymes that happen to bring constriction in arteries are inhibited. This constriction often happens to be a cause of hypertension. There could be certain side effects such as excessive thirst and loss of taste with intake of these inhibitors, but these effects last for only a few days. These are relatively newer drugs.
Diuretics
It is most common medication for high blood pressure. This medication works in two possible ways. When diuretics are taken with a mild dosage it assists in relaxing blood arteries. The other work performed by it is facilitating out flow of excess water and sodium through urine in order to lessen the amount of blood. The only side effect associated with this medicine is reduction in potassium level of your body that happens to be an essential element for the normal functioning of body. For that food rich in potassium could be taken in plenty. Doctors often suggest potassium tablets along with this medication.
Calcium Channel Blockers
This group of medicines is not too old, but their usage is gaining momentum. They affect blood pressure in a very different way. They usually tend to disrupt smooth inflow of calcium in body cells, thus reducing cells intake of calcium. With reduced calcium heart rate gets reduced easing pressure on moving blood.
Beta – Blockers
Medicines of this group directly cast their impact on nervous system by making brain give a retarding signal to heart. The heart rate gets retarded and in turn pace of blood circulation decreases. Thus hypertension gets reduced. This medicine is rarely prescribed to diabetics with hypertension.
These are some common medications that you should take in consonance with constant monitoring of blood pressure through blood pressure monitor equipments. Lastly, beware of one thing. Don’t overdose yourself with these medications, consequences could be disastrous.
High Blood Pressure Medication Side Effect
There are many options available to an individual who has been diagnosed with an illness. Some of those options include the use of natural methods to treat specific conditions. For example to treat depression, an individual may choose a treatment program that could include herbs or other homeopathic methods. Other actions that an individual may choose to treat specific illnesses could include the eating of foods associated with a specific diet.
Additionally, one powerful method of treating illness could be through medications. However as with anything, there may be negative aspects associated with using prescription medication. That negative aspect to medications could be associated side effects.
Therefore, it is important to know about side effects that may be possible with prescription medications. In addition, where to find out about possible side effects and what to do if side effects occur.
Common Blood Pressure Medication Side Effects
If an individual is diagnosed with high blood pressure there are a number of treatment methods that can be prescribed by the doctor. Some of those treatment methods could include the use of a meditative process such as yoga or other meditation exercises. Or the individual may be put on a special diet which will help to lower the individual’s high blood pressure. In addition, as part of the treatment program, the individual may be encouraged to exercise more to help lower the high blood pressure.
One of the common methods of treatment utilized by the attending physician is through a prescription medication program. However, it is important to understand that there may be some blood pressure medication side effects that accompany the use of the medicine to lower one’s blood pressure.
For example if an individual is given a diuretic to take they need to be educated as to the side effects associated with the taking of this medication. One of those side effects associated with the use of a diuretic is the possibility of the individual developing gout.
In addition, if an individual is prescribed a medicine that is classified as a beta blocker, they may be warned about the blood pressure medication side effects of this medicine. Specifically, the blood pressure medication side effects of a beta blocker can include inability to sleep, possible impotence for men, feeling of being depressed, etc.
Being Educated About Blood Pressure Medication Side Effects
Therefore, based on the possibility of blood pressure medication side effects, it is important for the patient to be a part of the treatment process. This means that the individual should be educated about the medication that they are taking and what may be the best blood pressure medication for themselves in particular.
Therefore, it is important to listen to one’s body and to be aware of the side effects that may be occurring. Also, it is important to listen to the pharmacist as they explain what the medication will do and the possible side effects that are associated with the prescription. In addition, it is important to read the literature that is given in accordance with each prescription that is filled.