Aerobic exercise is a cornerstone for the prevention and adjunctive treatment of hypertension. Hypertensive patients should consult their physicians about suitable activities. Regular exercise, weight reduction and moderate salt consumption help to normalise essential hypertension. In secondary hypertension it is necessary to treat the underlying condition.

Pathologically raised blood pressure must be treated with drugs if the lifestyle changes described above are insufficient.

Drug treatment

• ACE inhibitors and angiotensin II receptor antagonists dilate the vessels and reduce blood pressure by inhibiting a vasoconstrictor hormone, thereby reducing the load on the heart.
• Diuretics are used to shed water and free the body from excess salts. This reduces blood volume and vascular resistance. Potassium supplements are often necessary because these drugs deplete the body of minerals.
• Beta blockers inhibit stress hormones, slowing the pulse and reducing the load on the heart.
• Alpha blockers relax the blood vessels, reducing blood pressure.
• Calcium channel blockers reduce tension in the vessel walls, lowering blood pressure and reducing the load on the heart. The heart muscle cells relax, and the heart requires less oxygen.