Calaid Home Healthcare, LLC offers hypertensive management for patients struggling to keep their high blood pressure under control.
Measuring Blood Pressure
Blood pressure measurements fall into several categories:
- Normal blood pressure: below 120/80 mm Hg.
- Elevated blood pressure: systolic pressure ranging from 120 to 129 mm Hg and a diastolic pressure below (not above) 80 mm Hg.
- Stage 1 hypertension: Systolic pressure ranging from 130 to 139 mm Hg or a diastolic pressure ranging from 80 to 89 mm Hg.
- Stage 2 hypertension: Systolic pressure of 140 mm Hg or higher, or a diastolic pressure of 90 mm Hg or higher.
- Hypertensive crisis: Higher than 180/120 mm Hg.
Managing Hypertension
To help control and manage high blood pressure, patients may need to make the following lifestyle changes:
- Eat a heart-healthy diet with low sodium
- Exercise regularly
- Maintain a healthy weight or lose weight if the patient is overweight or obese
- Limit alcohol intake
Some patients may need to take medication to lower their blood pressure if lifestyle changes are insufficient.
The Role of Medication
The type of medication patients will need to take will depend on their blood pressure measurements and overall health. Typically, two or more blood pressure drugs are more effective. Patients may need to try various drugs before they find the most effective medication or combination of drugs for them.
Patients should aim for a blood pressure treatment goal of less than 130/80 mm Hg if:
- They’re a healthy adult age 65 or older
- They’re healthy, under the age of 65, and have a 10% or higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease in the next 10 years
- They’ve been diagnosed with diabetes, chronic kidney disease, or coronary artery disease
It’s important to understand that the ideal blood pressure treatment goal can vary with age and health conditions, especially if the patient is older than age 65. Patients should speak to their doctor to find out what kind of steps they should take to manage hypertension.
The following medications may be prescribed to treat high blood pressure:
Diuretics: Also called water pills, diuretics help the kidneys eliminate sodium and water from the body. These drugs are often the first medications prescribed by physicians to treat high blood pressure. The three classes of diuretics are thiazide, loop, and potassium sparing. The right one for the patient will depend on the patient’s blood pressure measurements and other health conditions, such as heart failure or kidney disease. Common diuretic medications used to treat blood pressure include hydrochlorothiazide (Microzide) and chlorthalidone.
Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors: Lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril), benazepril (Lotensin), captopril, and other ACE medication can help relax blood vessels by blocking the formation of a natural chemical that narrows blood vessels.
Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs): These hypertension medications relax blood vessels by blocking the action, not the formation, of a natural chemical that narrows blood vessels. ARBs include losartan (Cozaar), candesartan (Atacand), and others.
Calcium channel blockers: Diltiazem (Cardizem, Tiazac, others), amlodipine (Norvasc), and other calcium channel blocker medications help relax the muscles of the blood vessels, while some slow the heart rate.
We can help patients take their medication on time and monitor for changes in blood pressure. Reach out to Calaid Home Healthcare, LLC to learn more about hypertensive management and the care we provide to patients diagnosed with hypertension.