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Blood pressure is determined by the amount of blood that is pumped by the heart, the pumping power of the heart, the condition of the heart valves, and the size and condition of the arteries. Many other factors can also affect blood pressure, including:
There are several types of high blood pressure. Essential hypertension has no identifiable cause. Secondary hypertension occurs because of another disorder. Drug-induced hypertension is a form of secondary hypertension caused by a response to medication.
Drugs that can cause hypertension include:
Headache is an occasional symptom. If the hypertension is severe, the following symptoms can occur:
Note: Hypertension usually shows no symptoms.
The health care provider will ask questions regarding the use of drugs which are known to affect blood pressure measurement.
Blood pressure measurements, repeated over time, are used to confirm the diagnosis. Blood pressure that is consistently elevated is considered hypertension.
Two factors determine blood pressure measurements. Systolic blood pressure is the "top" number and is a measurement of the pressure in the blood vessels when the heart beats. Diastolic blood pressure is the "bottom" number which reflects the pressure in blood vessels when the heart is at rest. A consistent rate of more than 140 mm Hg systolic and more than 90 mm Hg diastolic is considered high blood pressure.
Tests to determine the cause of the problem may include blood tests to determine the levels of suspect medications.
The goal of treatment is to reduce your blood pressure, which will lower the risk of complications. The goal is blood pressure at least below 140/90 and below 130/80 if you have diabetes or kidney disease.
Whenever possible, the substance that caused your hypertension is discontinued. Adjustments may be made in medical therapy if current medications are causing hypertension and discontinuation of these drugs is not advisable.
Medications that may be used to modify blood pressure include:
Have your blood pressure checked at regular intervals (as recommended by your health care provider) to monitor its condition and response to treatment.
Lifestyle changes may be recommended, including such things as weight loss, exercise, avoidance of excess alcohol intake, and dietary adjustments.
If you have high blood pressure, you will have regularly scheduled appointments with your doctor.
In between appointments, if you have any of the following symptoms call your health care provider right away:
Use caution when ingesting any substance. If you are unsure of the likely effects and of interactions with other medications that you are already taking, consult your health care provider or pharmacist before using the substance or medication.
In people with hypertension, modification of sodium intake may be recommended. Products containing sodium (e.g., salt, MSG, and baking soda) often have little effect in people without hypertension, but may have a profound effect in those with hypertension.
If your doctor suspects drug-induced hypertension, it is important to discuss all drug use -- including alcohol and other recreational drugs -- so that the condition can be properly diagnosed.
