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Hypertension Treatment

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.