Non-Pharmacologic Treatment for Hypertension
While they are not often followed, non–pharmacological treatments for hypertension are well known. Even though these treatments may be the most difficult to integrate into a daily routine they can be just as effective (and sometimes more effective) than pharmacological treatment. The first, most common, but potentially most challenging treatment is modification of diet. Physicians often recommend a Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet. 8 The diet contains some things that are obvious: eating more fruits, vegetables, and decreasing overall caloric intake. It is very important to monitor salt intake. Salt cause a general fluid accumulation in the body, which is anti–productive in hypertensive patients. More salt causes more fluid in the blood, which causes a higher blood pressure.
Another treatment, that can quickly lead to an increase in general health, is cessation of smoking. Smoking can decrease HDL–C in the blood, cause malfunction in the SNS, cause problems with normal endothelial regulation, and cause an increased chance of blood clots. While whatever method a patient needs to stop smoking is recommended, the key is to stop! Increasing physical activity is also imperative. While the exact amount of time required to achieve optimal health changes constantly, mostly all scientists/physicians recommend some type of increase. Exercise causes a reset of many negative pathologies that can occur due to hypertension. Adequate amounts of sleep, decrease in stress, and general feelings of happiness can also lead to a general increase in health. While studies still debate the exact minutes/hours, a general increase can sometimes be the key between a healthy and unhealthy individual. It is important, however, that a person consults a medical professional before starting a new (especially abruptly new) change in lifestyle. While going on a run for two hours may make a great impact on your health, it may also be extremely detrimental to some patients!
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