Treatment of High Blood Pressure

reatments for lowering blood pressure include a number of drugs, a low salt diet (DASH diet), lifestyle changes such as exercise ,and stress reduction.

Treatments that do not involve prescription drugs

• Stress reduction. The most common methods are meditation, yoga, tai chi, relaxation CDs and controlled breathing such as with the Resperate device.
  
  
• Supplements. These include omega-3 fatty acids, coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), vitamin D, garlic
  
  
• Lifestyle changes There are number of lifestyle changes that will help lower blood pressure, including stopping smoking, changes in diet,exercise and losing weight.

The main types of drugs used for treating high blood pressure

• Alpha-blockers
• ACE inhibitors (angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors)
• Angiotensin receptor blockers
• Beta blockers
• Calcium channel blockers
• Diuretics (water pills)
• Renin inhibitors
• Minoxidil
• Clonidine

When there is a first diagnosis of hypertension, the most common drugs that are tried first include diuretics (water pills), ACE inhibitors, calcium channel blockers and beta blockers, though any of the drugs in the above list are prescribed. Frequently, if the prescribed drug does not lower blood pressure enough, another drug is substituted. If blood pressure is still too high, it is common for more than one drug to be prescribed.