Can High Blood Pressure Be Treated?
A. The good news is that high blood pressure is eminently treatable. The objective of treatment is not simply to lower the blood pressure, but to prevent its consequences, such as strokes and heart attacks. The benefits of treatment were first convincingly demonstrated in a landmark Veterans Administration study conducted by Dr Edward Fries, the first results of which were published in 1967. Since then a large number of studies has shown that treating high blood pressure cuts the risk of stroke in half, and reduces heart attacks by aboyut one quarter. This applies to men and women, young and old.
In most people, high blood pressure can be controlled through diet, exercise, medication or a combination of all three. A diet that is low in salt and rich in vegetables, fruits and low-fat dairy products may help lower blood pressure. Recent studies have also shown that increasing potassium intake, (for example, eating fresh fruits and vegetables), may help lower blood pressure. A program of regular exercise — appropriate to a person’s age and fitness level, and approved by a doctor — may not only aid in weight loss, but also help to lower blood pressure. Finally, a wide range of medications is available to treat high blood pressure. A doctor may have to try several different drugs before you find one that works best for a person’s needs. This is common problem that doctors are used to handling. It is important to take any medications exactly as prescribed, even when a person feels fine. There are more than 50 prescription antihypertensive drugs on the market from which to choose. I
