Treatment:

The goals of treatment are to reduce blood pressure and control the heart disease. Treatment of heart disease depends on the conditions that are present (acute myocardial infarction, angina, heart failure, and so on).

Common medications include:

• Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors
• Angiotensin II receptor antagonists
• Beta blockers
• Calcium channel blockers
• Direct vasodilators
• Diuretics

Intravenous (given directly into the vein) medications may be prescribed if hypertension is extremely severe and intensive care is necessary.

Blood pressure should be checked at regular intervals (as recommended by your health care provider) to monitor the condition. Frequent blood pressure measurements taken at home are often recommended for people with difficult-to-control high blood pressure.

Diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and other conditions that increase the risk of heart disease should be carefully controlled.

In addition to medications, recommended lifestyle changes include:

• Dietary adjustments -
  • Avoiding trans fats and saturated fats
  • Increasing fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy products
  • Reducing sale intake may be beneficial
  • Whole grains, poultry, and fish are also generally recommended
• Exercise
• Reducing excessive alcohol consumption may also help
• Stopping smoking -- cigarettes are a major cause of hypertension-related heart disease
• Weight loss

Expectations (prognosis):

The risk for complications depends on the how enlarged the left ventricle has become. The larger this section of the heart becomes, the greater the chance of complications. Treating high blood pressure may reduce the amount of left ventricle damage.

Several studies have shown that most blood pressure medications (anti-hypertensives), and particularly drugs that affect angiotensin, can reverse left ventricular hypertrophy and prolong survival in people with heart failure from hypertensive heart disease.

Nonetheless, this is a serious disease that carries the risk of sudden death.

Complications:

• Angina
• Arrhythmias
• Heart attack
• Heart failure
• Sudden death

Calling your health care provider:

Call your health care provider if you have high blood pressure and develop any symptoms.