In this post we shall discuss the treatment of hypertension.
To read about the signs and symptoms click here.
Nonpharmacological Treatment of hypertension
Salt restriction: 2.4 gm of sodium or 6gm of Nacl is effective in controlling hypertension
Weight Reduction: Reduction of 1kg may reduce 1.3 to 1.6 mm of Hg
Quit Smoking: Most important reversible coronary risk factor
Alcohol consumption should be moderated
Exercise, yoga, psychotherapy helps lower blood pressure
Pharmacological Treatment of hypertension
Diuretics
Hydrochlorothiazide 100 mg/day, Chlorthalidone 50-100 mg/day are the most commonly used diuretics. Due to reduced potassium levels in body resulting in hypokalemia, potassium supplements are given for people on long term diuretic therapy. Spironolactone 25mg TDS is mostly given
Beta Blockers
Propranolol used to be the most common drug of choice. Dose: 40-160 mg/day
Vasodilators
Diazoxide and sodium nitroprusside are given as IV
ACE Inhibitors
Enalapril maleate 5 mg OD
Ramipril 2.5 mg daily
Captopril along with beta blockers or diuretics. 25 gm TDS is the dose of Captopril. Usually given to diabetics and asthamatics
Calcium Channel Blockers
Amlodipine 5 – 10 gm
Felodipine sulfate – 5 – 10 mg/day for mild to moderate hypertension
Nifedipine 16 – 20 mg BD.
Nifedipine has following side effects
Headache
Dizziness
Flushing
Nifedipine is contraindicated in pregnancy, myocardial infarction, cardiogenic shock.
