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Diagnosis & Treatment

High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)

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How is High Blood Pressure Diagnosed?

Diagnosis

After asking questions about your medical history, your doctor will measure your blood pressure with a cuff. They will inflate an inflatable cuff around your arm until it fits tightly. Then, they will be able to use a pressure-measuring gauge to measure your blood pressure.

Home blood pressure monitors are also available, and you can use these to monitor your blood pressure between visits to your provider. Your doctor may perform additional tests to confirm a hypertension diagnosis and investigate possible underlying causes for the condition.

These tests for hypertension diagnosis include:

  • Lab tests. Cholesterol tests and urinalysis can help diagnose underlying causes of hypertension.
  • Ambulatory monitoring. Your doctor will have you wear a device for 24 hours, and it will measure your blood pressure at regular intervals. This can give more insight into changes in blood pressure throughout the day and during sleep.
  • Electrocardiogram (ECG). In a short test in which a technician places nodes on the chest, an ECG uses electrical signals to provide an image of the heart.

How is High Blood Pressure Treated?

Treatment

Hypertension is treated primarily with lifestyle changes, but in some cases, high blood pressure medications may be needed. Eating foods low in fat and salt content, exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy weight and sleep schedule, and managing stress are all ways to lower your blood pressure. Avoiding tobacco, drugs, and excessive alcohol consumption is also recommended.

Medications used to treat hypertension include:

  • Diuretics flush excess fluid and sodium from the body and reduce the amount of fluid in the blood.
  • Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors block the production of a hormone the body uses to regulate blood pressure, removing its ability to narrow arteries.
  • Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) keep the same hormone from binding to receptors in the blood vessels and also prevent narrowing.
  • Calcium channel blockers can help slow the heart rate or relax the muscles of the blood vessels.

FAQs

FAQs

The most commonly prescribed medication for hypertension is the ACE inhibitor Lisinopril.

High blood pressure often doesn’t cause any symptoms, so it is important to have your blood pressure measured regularly.

People with hypertension should eat no more than 1,500 mg of sodium per day.

Avoid foods that are high in salt and fat content. This includes highly processed and fast foods, butter, fatty meats, and fried foods.

Genetics can play a role in your likelihood of developing hypertension, which is why it’s important to measure your blood pressure regularly while maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Some medications can raise your blood pressure, including pain medications like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), decongestants, hormonal birth control, and antidepressants. Talk to your doctor if you are concerned about a medication affecting your blood pressure.

There is no cure for high blood pressure, but with the right treatment plan, you can get your blood pressure under control. Consistently sticking to healthy lifestyle choices is a key factor in whether or not hypertension can be controlled.

Get Care

Trust NewYork-Presbyterian for Hypertension Treatment

NewYork-Presbyterian’s team of cardiac care experts can help guide you through a care plan to reduce and treat hypertension, taking into account your lifestyle and individual circumstances. Our physicians approach each appointment with patience and compassion and are committed to following up to ensure you have the support you need to improve the cause of your blood pressure.