The treatment of hypertension (high blood pressure) involves a combination of medical evaluation, lifestyle guidance, and pharmacological intervention. Care includes:
- Diagnosis & Assessment:
- Measuring blood pressure over time.
- Evaluating risk factors (age, weight, family history, lifestyle).
- Conducting lab tests (e.g., kidney function, cholesterol, glucose).
- Lifestyle Counseling:
- Advising on diet (e.g., DASH diet, reducing sodium).
- Encouraging regular physical activity.
- Addressing weight management, alcohol intake, and smoking cessation.
- Medication Management:
- Prescribing antihypertensives (e.g., ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, diuretics).
- Monitoring response and side effects.
- Adjusting dosages or changing medications as needed.
- Monitoring & Follow-up:
- Regular check-ups to track blood pressure control.
- Encouraging home BP monitoring when appropriate.
- Ongoing patient education and support.