Treatment:

The goal of treatment is to reduce your blood pressure to below 140/90 (below 130/80 if you have diabetes or kidney disease). This will lower the risk of complications.

If possible, stop taking the substance that caused your hypertension. Your health care provider may adjust your treatment if your current medications are causing hypertension and you cannot stop taking these drugs.

Medications that may be used to lower blood pressure include:

• Aldosterone blockers
• Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors
• Angiotensin receptor blockers (ARB)
• Beta blockers
• Calcium channel blockers
• Diuretics
• Hydralazine, doxazosin, and prazosin

Have your blood pressure checked regularly (as recommended by your health care provider) to monitor its response to treatment.

Lifestyle changes may be recommended, including:

• Avoiding excess alcohol
• Dietary changes
• Exercise
• Weight loss

Expectations (prognosis):

Drug-induced hypertension is usually controllable with treatment. Treatment may need to be changed periodically.

Complications:

Complications of untreated hypertension can include:

• Blood vessel damage
• Congestive heart failure
• Heart attack
• Kidney damage
• Loss of vision
• Other heart damage
• Stroke

Calling your health care provider:

If you have high blood pressure, you will have regularly scheduled appointments with your doctor.

In between appointments, call your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms:

• Chest pain
• Confusion
• Excessive tiredness
• Nausea and vomiting
• Severe headache
• Shortness of breath
• Significant sweating
• Vision changes