High blood pressure or hypertension is a severe and silent threat. The increase in the number of deaths due to hypertension is on the rise across the globe. One in every three individuals in the United States alone suffers from high blood pressure. The number sores to one in every two people who are aged 60 and above.
Medicines are available that help in bringing down the level of high blood pressure to normal readings. Lifestyle and diet changes also contribute the downfall of the pressure values. Although one may experience loss of weight due to the prolonged use of the medicines that help in controlling the blood pressure, these medicines alone are not the reason for weight loss.
Type of Medicines
Several types of medicines are available that assist in regulating the value of high blood pressure. A specialist prescribes the use of the medicines according to individual assessment, as the human body varies from one to another. Additionally, the prescription also considers the variables behind the cause of high blood pressure. For instance, diuretics, which helps in flushing away excessive sodium and fluids from the body. Beta blockers are capable of lowering the heartbeat thereby reducing the production of blood and its flow through the heart. Vasodilators are useful in relaxing the blood vessel walls, making them dilate with ease. It is further possible to use ACE inhibitors that are capable of preventing particular chemicals from contracting the arteries.
Can You Lose Weight On Blood Pressure Medication?
According to the experts of the American Heart Association, weight loss due to the use of high blood pressure medicines is not a side effect. In fact, no relationship exists between the two. It is coincidental that one is losing weight while taking the medicines for regulating blood pressure. However, doctors do not rule out the possibility of ignoring unexplained weight loss. If there is weight loss and identifying the reason is not possible, then it could be due to the interaction between the drugs or due to underlying health problems. In such circumstances, it is preferable to consult the doctor immediately to identify the exact reason for the weight loss.
Significance
It is a notable point that the blood pressure readings are high in people who are suffering from obesity. The risk associated with obesity includes a rise in the blood pressure values and the chances of the developing heart diseases and heart attacks. Kidney problems and heart stroke are other potential causes of high blood pressure.
Lifestyle Changes
The medicines that you will are using for high blood pressure are not the only recommendations provided by the doctor. The effectiveness of the medicines depends on the lifestyle changes. For instance, if you are a smoker, it is vital to quit smoking to enable the drugs to function efficiently. Reducing alcohol consumption to one drink a day and eating a low-sodium diet with rich in fresh fruits and vegetables help in aiding the effectiveness of the medicines. Physical exercise is another area that supports the drugs. Improper or nil physical activity makes it impossible for the medicines alone to assist in bringing down the blood pressure values.
Considerations
Blood pressure medicines have several side effects. These change according to the drug that the doctor prescribed to you. It is possible for you to experience potassium deficit, which leads to weakness and muscle cramps. Another example of the same is suffering from gout due to long-term use of diuretics. People with diabetes experience an increase in their blood sugar levels.
