Treatment of Hypertension

You’re likely to need long-term treatment for high blood pressure because it can’t usually be cured.

If you have very high blood pressure, you may need to go to hospital for treatment. But it’s much more likely that your GP and/or a nurse will look after you.

Various lifestyle changes can help. For example:

• stop smoking
• change your diet to a low-fat, low-salt diet that includes fruit and vegetables
• cut down on alcohol
• cut down on coffee and high-caffeine drinks, such as cola
• take some regular, moderate exercise
• lose any excess weight

It may also help to try to reduce the stress in your life to prevent short-term rises in blood pressure – try relaxation techniques or meditation.

If your blood pressure stays high, your GP may prescribe one or more of the following antihypertensive medicines.

• ACE inhibitors (eg Ramipril)
• Angiotensin-II receptor antagonists (eg Candesartan)
• Calcium-channel blockers (eg Amlodipine)

If your BP don’t improve, then your GP may prescribe one of the following:

• Alpha-blockers (eg Doxazosin)
• Thiazide diuretic such as Bendroflumethiazide or Indapamide

If your BP still remains high your GP may refer you to a hypertension specialist at the hospital.

For more information on Hypertension please do not hesitate to get in touch with Dr Deering through our appointments page.

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