High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a chronic condition that causes damage to your blood vessels and organs, especially the brain, heart, eyes, and kidneys. While it is mostly silent, in severe cases, it can lead to symptoms such as headaches, heart palpitations, or nosebleeds. And if left untreated, it may increase your risk of heart attacks and strokes. In older people, high blood pressure may become more difficult to control, even with proper treatments. In such cases, other underlying factors may need to be considered for effective blood pressure management.
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Understanding Resistant Hypertension
Resistant hypertension is a type of high blood pressure that stays above the normal range, such as 140/90 millimetres of mercury (mm Hg), despite taking three antihypertensive medications of different classes, including a diuretic, at the highest tolerable doses, according to a study published in the Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care.
Some of the common risk factors for resistant hypertension include old age, obesity, Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), and diabetes. However, there are other things that need your attention to effectively manage blood pressure that won't go down.
Watch Your Salt Intake
While salt is an essential part of our diet, consuming it excessively can put your heart at risk.
In a conversation with the OnlyMyHealth team, Dr Subhash Chandra, Consultant, Internal Medicine, Amrita Hospital, Kochi, shared that too much salt intake is harmful and can lead to hypertension, heart attacks, and strokes.
A study published in the journal Lancet found that people with higher salt intake had a significantly increased risk of heart disease and death, even after accounting for other risk factors like blood pressure. This link was especially strong for men and overweight individuals.
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends less than 2000 mg/day of sodium per day for adults.
For children aged 2–15 years, the global health body recommends adjusting the adult dose downward based on their energy requirements.
Reassess Whether You Are Taking Your Medications Correctly
If your medications are not working effectively to control your blood pressure levels, it is important to consult your doctor.
List all the medications you're taking, including any Over-The-Counter (OTC) drugs and supplements, and inform your doctor about the dosages and timing of the medication intake.
The American Heart Association (AHA) warns people with resistant hypertension against medications or supplements that can boost blood pressure, such as diet pills and stimulants, cyclosporine, natural licorice, ephedra, painkillers, and Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Agents (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen and celecoxib.
Also Read: Are You Taking Statins For Cholesterol Management? Here Are Mistakes You Should Avoid
Treat Any Underlying Medical Conditions
Resistant hypertension can also result from underlying health problems, including:
- Sleep problems, such as Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA), which leads to heavy snoring
- Abnormalities in the hormones that control blood pressure
- The accumulation of artery-clogging plaque in blood vessels
- Obesity
- Heavy intake of alcohol or other substances
Don’t Just Depend On Medications
It is important to note that medications alone will not help bring down your blood pressure levels. A lot depends on your diet and your exercise routine. Some of the lifestyle changes to adopt include:
- Eating a balanced, plant-based diet
- Cutting back on alcohol consumption
- Quitting smoking
- Indulging in regular physical activity
- Maintaining a healthy weight
A Final Word
High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a sneaky condition that can affect your heart and raise your risk of life-threatening cardiac events. Resistant hypertension can worsen the situation, as blood pressure levels do not go down even with antihypertensive medications. This is when you must reassess your medications, treat underlying conditions, and also make necessary changes to your lifestyle. It is best to consult with a doctor to stay on top of your health.