Hypertension Medicines

Hypertension means your blood pressure stays higher than normal over time. Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against your artery walls. When this pressure remains high, it can slowly damage blood vessels and vital organs such as the heart, brain, kidneys, and eyes.

Many people with hypertension feel completely normal, which is why it is often called a silent condition. The best way to detect it is by checking blood pressure regularly.

Why hypertension matters

High blood pressure increases the risk of serious health problems, such as:

• Heart attack and heart failure
• Stroke
• Kidney damage
• Vision problems
• Narrowing of blood vessels (poor circulation)

Controlling blood pressure helps protect these organs and lowers long-term risk.

Key facts

Usually seen in

Adults (risk increases with age), but it can occur at any age.

Gender affected

Both men and women.

Main body systems affected

Heart, blood vessels, brain, kidneys, and eyes.

Common problem

Most people have no symptoms until complications develop.

Types of hypertension

Primary (essential) hypertension

This is the most common type. It develops gradually over the years and is linked to lifestyle and genetics.

Secondary hypertension

This happens due to an underlying cause such as kidney disease, hormonal disorders (thyroid/adrenal), sleep apnea, or certain medicines. It may appear suddenly or be harder to control.

Common symptoms

Most people have no symptoms. When symptoms occur, they may include:

• Headaches (especially if BP is very high)
• Dizziness
• Blurred vision
• Nosebleeds (not always)
• Shortness of breath (in severe cases)

Symptoms are not reliable for diagnosis. Regular BP checks are important.

Risk factors

Hypertension is more likely with:

• Family history of high blood pressure
• Age above 40 (risk rises with age)
• Overweight or obesity
• High salt intake and processed foods
• Lack of physical activity
• High stress and poor sleep
• Smoking or tobacco use
• Regular alcohol use
• Diabetes or high cholesterol
• Kidney disease or sleep apnea

How hypertension is diagnosed

Blood pressure measurement

Your doctor will usually confirm hypertension using multiple readings on different days. Some people have:

• White coat hypertension: high BP mainly in clinics
• Masked hypertension: normal BP in clinic but high at home

Home BP monitoring

Home readings can help confirm control and reduce mistakes. A validated upper-arm BP device is usually preferred.

Tests doctors may suggest

These help check causes and look for organ effects:

• Blood sugar (fasting glucose or HbA1c)
• Lipid profile (cholesterol)
• Kidney function tests (creatinine, eGFR)
• Electrolytes (sodium, potassium)
• Urine test (protein/albumin)
• ECG (heart rhythm and strain)
• Eye examination (retina changes)
• Ultrasound/other tests in selected cases (if secondary hypertension is suspected)

Treatment and management

Treatment usually includes lifestyle changes plus medicines when needed. Many people need long-term treatment to keep their BP controlled.

Lifestyle changes that help most

• Reduce salt (limit salty snacks, pickles, packaged foods)
• Eat more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and pulses
• Maintain a healthy weight (even small weight loss helps)
• Exercise regularly (walking, cycling, swimming)
• Stop smoking and avoid tobacco
• Limit alcohol
• Sleep well and manage stress
• Reduce excess caffeine if it raises your BP

Medicines commonly used

Doctors choose medicines based on age, BP level, other diseases, and side effects. Common groups include:

• ACE inhibitors
• ARBs
• Calcium channel blockers
• Diuretics (water tablets)
• Beta blockers (used in selected cases)

Some patients need two or more medicines to reach the target BP.

Possible complications if uncontrolled

Long-term uncontrolled hypertension can lead to:

• Stroke
• Heart attack
• Heart failure
• Kidney damage or kidney failure
• Vision loss
• Aneurysm (weakening of the blood vessel wall)
• Poor circulation in the legs

When to seek urgent medical help

Get emergency help if very high BP is accompanied by:

• Chest pain, severe breathlessness, or sweating
• Weakness/numbness on one side, face drooping, trouble speaking
• Severe headache with confusion, fainting, or vision changes
• Seizure
• Severe dizziness with collapse
  These can be signs of a hypertensive emergency, stroke, or heart attack.

Explore hypertension care

This category includes products used for blood pressure management and heart health support. Regular monitoring, healthy habits, and consistent treatment are the keys to long-term control.