High Blood Pressure – Diagnosis and Treatment
Blood pressure tells us how hard blood pushes against artery walls as the heart pumps. Two numbers describe this: systolic pressure (when the heart beats) and diastolic pressure (when the heart rests between beats).
Most adults see normal blood pressure near 120/80 mmHg. If your numbers stay above that, doctors call it high blood pressure or hypertension.
Diagnosis
Measuring Blood Pressure
Getting an accurate blood pressure reading really matters. Try to check your pressure at the same time each day with a reliable home monitor.
For a good reading, sit and rest quietly for at least 5 minutes. Put your feet flat on the floor and don’t cross your legs.
Support your back and arm. Skip caffeine, exercise, and smoking for at least 30 minutes before checking.
Experts suggest taking at least two readings, one minute apart, usually in the morning before medications and again in the evening before dinner.
Understanding Fluctuations
Some individuals experience significant swings in blood pressure, a condition sometimes referred to as labile hypertension. These rapid changes can be caused by:
- Heart conditions
- Hormonal imbalances
- Nervous system dysfunction
- Emotional stress or anxiety
Identifying and treating the underlying cause—whether through lifestyle changes, medication adjustments, or stress management—can often help stabilize blood pressure levels and reduce risks.
If blood pressure remains inconsistent or elevated, a doctor may recommend ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) or home blood pressure logs over several days to confirm a diagnosis and guide treatment.
Treatment
Doctors use several types of antihypertensive medications. Each type lowers blood pressure in its own way.
| Class | How They Work |
|---|---|
| Diuretics | Remove extra salt and water from the body |
| Calcium Channel Blockers | Relax and open blood vessels |
| Beta Blockers | Slow the heart rate, reduce workload |
| ARBs (Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers) | Block hormone effects that tighten vessels |
| Renin Inhibitors | Lower the action of the renin enzyme |
Your doctor picks the right medicine based on your health history, other conditions, and how you react. No single class works best for everyone.
Lifestyle Changes
For a lot of people, lifestyle changes help keep blood pressure healthy or lower high numbers. The most proven steps include:
- Stay active with regular exercise.
- Keep a healthy weight—even small weight loss can help.
- Limit alcohol.
- Eat a heart-friendly diet with lots of fruits, veggies, and low-fat foods.
- Limit sodium; under 1500 mg per day works for many, and some need even less.
- Get more potassium-rich foods to balance sodium.
If you already eat low-sodium foods, you might not need to cut back further. Changes in diet can take weeks before you see a real difference, so hang in there.
Working with a Medical Team
Managing hypertension means talking openly with your healthcare team. Be honest about your goals and what works for you.
Taking a team approach really helps you get the best results.
Here’s a simple checklist for patients:
- Use a reliable home blood pressure monitor.
- Go to office visits as your doctor recommends.
- Take your medications as prescribed.
- Stick with a healthy lifestyle.
- Bring your blood pressure log and questions to every appointment.
With the right mix of monitoring, medication (if needed), and healthy habits, you can manage hypertension. The steps you take now can help you avoid problems down the road and support your long-term health.
