In my previous article, I explained the definitions of hypertension (high blood pressure) and discussed its effects on the body. Now I would like to discuss treatment and prevention of hypertension.

It is estimated that more than 40 million Americans have hypertension and many of these people do not even know of their disease. Risk of having high blood pressure increases greatly after age 60. There is some genetic component to getting high blood pressure. Those with diabetes, kidney disease and obesity are at more risk. Hypertension is more common in people with unhealthy habits such as inactive lifestyle, excessive use of alcohol and poor diets #- specifically high salt intake, high fat and high calorie foods and low in fruits, vegetables and low fat dairy products.

Treating hypertension is not difficult. Lowering blood pressure by 20points/10points reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease by 50 percent. But even lowering by two points can reduce risk of stroke by 15 percent and risk of heart attack by 6 percent.

The most important ways to reduce blood pressure are done by the patient. It is important to lose weight if you are overweight. Studies have shown that for someone who is more than 10 percent over their ideal body weight, a loss of about 20 pounds can reduce blood pressure by five to 20 points.

Alcohol should be limited to no more than 2 drinks daily for men or one drink daily for women. A “drink” is defined as 1 ounce of liquor, 5 ounces of wine or 12 ounces of beer. Aerobic exercise should be done for 30-45 minutes daily at least three times a week but the more days of exercise the better. This can lower blood pressure by five to 10 points. Quitting smoking is extremely important.

Dietary factors are very important in the development and control of high blood pressure. Salt intake (sodium) should be limited to 2,400 milligrams daily. The issue is that all foods have some sodium in them but the less processed they are the less sodium they will contain. If your cup of soup has 800 mg of sodium in a serving, realize that is about a third of your daily intake. Limiting fat intake, especially saturated fats and trans-fats is important. Also increasing intake of calcium, potassium and magnesium are helpful in lowering blood pressure.

If these lifestyle changes are not sufficient to get your blood pressure controlled your doctor will recommend medications. There are dozens of medications available to lower blood pressure. Depending on how high your blood pressure is initially you may be started on one or two medications. We now have many combination pills to choose from as well. Frequently higher doses of medication or more than one medication are necessary to reduce blood pressure. Hypertension is a progressive disease, that is it worsens over time, so this is not uncommon.

Your doctor can discuss with you the benefits and risks of the different kinds of medication available to treat hypertension. It is important to take prescribed medications regularly and keep regular office visits to ensure that blood pressure goals are met and no serious side effects are being caused by high blood pressure or prescription medications. Treatment of hypertension involves a coordinated plan between you and your physician to keep you healthy.

Dr. Davidd Levy is a family physician in Auburn. He may be reached at 282-0525.