Treatment High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)

Changing your lifestyle can go a long way toward controlling high blood pressure. But sometimes lifestyle changes aren't enough. In addition to diet and exercise, your doctor may recommend medication to lower your blood pressure. Which category of medication your doctor prescribes depends on your stage of high blood pressure and whether you also have other medical conditions. Lifestyle changes that may reduce blood pressure by about 5 to 10 mm Hg include:

1. Reducing salt intake
2. Reducing fat intake
3. Losing weight
4. Getting regular exercise
5. Quitting smoking
6. Reducing alcohol consumption
7. Managing stress
   

The major types of medication used to control high blood pressure include:

1. Thiazide diuretics
2. Renin inhibitors
3. Calcium channel blockers
4. Angiotensin II receptor blockers
5. Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors
6. Beta blockers
7. Alpha blockers
8. Central-acting agents
9. Vasodilators
10. Alpha-beta blockers