Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is when the force of blood against artery walls is consistently too high. It often has no symptoms but can lead to serious health issues like heart disease, stroke, and kidney damage if left untreated. While high blood pressure is a common condition, for some people, it remains difficult to manage despite taking multiple medications.
This could point to resistant hypertension, a serious health issue that needs attention.
Resistant hypertension refers to blood pressure that stays above target levels despite taking at least three different medications. Says Dr. Manish Bansal, Senior Director, Clinical & Preventive Cardiology at Medanta, Gurugram: “True resistant hypertension is relatively uncommon. But what we frequently see is pseudo-resistance due to poor lifestyle habits or medication errors.”
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Many people with uncontrolled blood pressure don’t have true resistance. Often, the issue is missed doses, wrong drug combinations, or lifestyle factors like too much salt, stress, smoking, or lack of exercise.
- Causes and effects of resistant hypertension:
According to Dr Bansal, the common contributors of resistant hypertension include, kidney problems, hormonal disorders, obesity, excessive salt intake, stress, and certain medications. In some cases, it’s due to an underlying medical condition. “If left untreated, it puts extra strain on your heart, arteries and kidneys, raising the risk of heart attacks, strokes, kidney failure and eye problems,” he warns.
- Symptoms of resistant hypertension:
Resistant hypertension usually has no clear symptoms. “However, some may notice headaches, fatigue, chest pain, breathlessness, irregular heartbeat, or blurred vision,” says Dr Bansal.
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He suggests the following tips to manage it effectively
- Review your medications: It's crucial to review your medication regularly with your doctor. “If your blood pressure remains high, your doctor may adjust the dosages, switch to a different medication, or even add new drugs to improve results,” Dr Bansal.
- Cut down on salt: Excessive salt intake can lead to fluid retention, raising your blood pressure. Dr Bansal suggests avoiding processed foods, fast foods, and reducing the amount of salt in your cooking. Opt for fresh ingredients and season with herbs instead.
- Refrain from excessive alcohol: Alcohol, when consumed in excess, can interfere with your blood pressure medications and even raise your blood pressure directly. Limiting alcohol intake and avoiding binge drinking can help maintain better control over hypertension.
- Stay active: Regular physical activity, such as walking, cycling, or swimming, can help lower blood pressure. Even a modest 30-minute walk each day can make a noticeable difference to your heart health and blood pressure.
- Lose weight: Carrying extra weight puts strain on your heart and raises blood pressure. Dr Bansal stresses that even losing a small amount of weight can have a big impact. Combining a healthy diet with regular exercise is a key strategy for managing hypertension.
- Monitor your blood pressure at home: Regularly checking your blood pressure at home helps you track trends and notice any spikes early on. He suggests keeping a log of your readings and sharing them with your doctor to make more informed decisions about your treatment.
- Manage stress: Stress is a well-known trigger for increased blood pressure. “Find ways to relax and unwind. Practising deep breathing, meditation, or yoga, may help. Managing stress can help lower your blood pressure and improve your well-being,” says Dr Bansal.
Furthermore, routine check-ups help detect any secondary causes and ensure your treatment stays effective. Testing for conditions like sleep apnoea or adrenal issues may also be necessary.
Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.
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