[ad_1]
High blood pressure, a silent disease that can affect your brain, kidneys and eyes, can put you at risk for several life-threatening diseases. Although you can control regular high blood pressure with medication and lifestyle changes, resistant hypertension can be difficult to manage because it does not respond well to medications. Persistent high blood pressure can cause many complications. Resistant hypertension is blood pressure that remains above 140/90 mmHg despite the use of three antihypertensive medications of different classes, including a diuretic. On World Hypertension Day (May 17, 2024), here’s everything you want to know about this little-known condition that can significantly harm your health. (Also Read | World Hypertension Day 2024: 7 hidden signs of high blood pressure you should be aware of)
What is resistant hypertension?
“Resistant hypertension is a challenging condition characterized by high blood pressure that does not respond adequately to standard medications. It is defined as persistently elevated blood pressure levels that persist despite the use of three or more antihypertensive medications, including diuretics. remains above the target limit. If this condition is left uncontrolled, the risk of cardiovascular complications such as heart disease, stroke and kidney damage can increase significantly,” says Dr. V. Rajasekhar, Senior Consultant Interventional Cardiology and Electrophysiology, Certified Proctor for TAVR and Clinical Director, Yashoda Hospitals Hyderabad.
“Patients should see their physician, who will investigate the causes of secondary hypertension, such as renal artery stenosis, pheochromocytoma, and primary hyperaldosteronism, if necessary. Obese patients often have obstructive sleep apnea, a common complication of uncontrolled hypertension. Uncontrolled hypertension is the leading cause of kidney failure and heart failure and a major cause of stroke and vision loss, says Dr Sundari Srikanth, director of internal medicine at Marengo Asia Hospital, Faridabad. “
causes of resistant hypertension
“Common causes include poor medication compliance, alcohol consumption, frequent use of painkillers and cough syrups, obesity and kidney dysfunction,” says Dr Srikanth.
Effective management requires consideration of the multiple potential causes of resistant hypertension.
“A common cause is not following prescribed medication regimens. Skipping doses or not taking medications as directed can lead to uncontrolled blood pressure levels. Inadequate treatment, secondary causes of high blood pressure (such as kidney disease or hormonal disorders), and lifestyle Dr. Factors such as obesity, excessive alcohol consumption, or high salt intake can also contribute to the development of resistant hypertension, says Rajasekhar.
How to Manage Resistant Hypertension
Management of resistant hypertension requires a comprehensive approach that includes lifestyle modifications, medication adjustments, and resolution of the underlying cause.
“Lifestyle changes such as adopting a healthy low-sodium diet, engaging in regular physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight, and reducing alcohol intake can help reduce blood pressure levels. Identifying the underlying condition and treating it effectively is also important,” says Dr. Rajasekhar.
“Medication adjustments are often necessary in cases of resistant hypertension. Healthcare providers may need to modify the current medication regimen, add new medications, or consider alternative treatment options for better blood pressure control. Renal artery bypass grafting is a “There is a new treatment method that effectively addresses the problem of resistant hypertension. In this procedure, the overactive veins around the kidneys are destroyed by radio frequency energy which helps in controlling the blood pressure,” he says. Are.
Regular monitoring of blood pressure levels is necessary to monitor the effectiveness of treatment and make necessary adjustments as needed.
Dr. Srikanth says, “Stop smoking and drinking, lose weight and avoid fried and processed food. Increase intake of fresh fruits and reduce salt intake. BP can be controlled with regular exercise and regular intake of BP medicine. Will remain.”
[ad_2]
