High Blood Pressure Treatment

High blood pressure (Hypertension) is a condition where the force of blood against artery walls is consistently too high. Normal blood pressure is below 120/80 mmHg.

📏 Blood pressure classification

• Normal — Below 120/80 mmHg
• Elevated — 120-129 / below 80 mmHg
• Stage 1 Hypertension — 130-139 / 80-89 mmHg
• Stage 2 Hypertension — 140/90 mmHg or above
• Hypertensive Crisis — Above 180/120 mmHg — seek medical attention immediately

Hypertension is called "the silent killer" because most people have no symptoms at all until serious complications arise. Regular blood pressure monitoring is essential.

Causes fall into two categories.

🔵 Primary (Essential) Hypertension — Accounts for 90-95% of cases. No single identifiable cause, but results from multiple factors including genetics, age, excess weight, high sodium intake, sedentary lifestyle, excessive alcohol consumption, and chronic stress.

🟡 Secondary Hypertension — Caused by an underlying condition such as kidney disease, thyroid disorders, adrenal gland problems, or certain medications (e.g. some NSAIDs, oral contraceptives). Addressing the underlying cause may normalise blood pressure.

At Intimo Life, we offer four major medication classes, each working through different mechanisms.

ACE Inhibitor — Enalapril

• Anapril / Enaril
• Blocks the ACE enzyme, reducing production of the vessel-constricting substance Angiotensin II
• Benefits: effective blood pressure reduction, heart and kidney protection, suitable for diabetic patients
• Common side effect: dry cough (occurs in about 10-15%)

ARB — Losartan

• Loranta
• Blocks the Angiotensin II receptor directly
• Benefits: effective blood pressure reduction, kidney protection, rarely causes dry cough (alternative if ACE Inhibitor cough is problematic), may slightly lower uric acid — suitable for patients with gout

Calcium Channel Blocker (CCB) — Amlodipine

• Amlopine / Ambes
• Reduces calcium flow into blood vessel muscle cells, causing vessels to relax
• Benefits: consistent 24-hour blood pressure reduction, once-daily dosing, no dose adjustment needed for kidney patients
• Common side effects: ankle swelling, facial flushing, headache

Alpha Blocker — Doxazosin

• Cardura XL / Cazosin
• Blocks alpha receptors on blood vessels, causing them to relax
• Benefits: lowers blood pressure AND relieves enlarged prostate symptoms in men (improved urination). Ideal for men with both conditions
• Caution: may cause dizziness when standing up (orthostatic hypotension), especially initially

💊 Take consistently every day — Same time each day. Never stop on your own, even if readings normalise. Blood pressure medication controls the condition — it doesn't cure it.

📏 Monitor at home regularly — Use an automatic upper-arm blood pressure monitor. Measure in the morning before medication and in the evening. Keep a log for your pharmacist or doctor.

⚠️ Don't adjust doses yourself — If you feel your blood pressure is too high or too low, consult a pharmacist before making changes.

All blood pressure medications have strong safety profiles, but each class has characteristic side effects.

ACE Inhibitor (Enalapril) — Dry cough (most common, about 10-15%). If the cough is bothersome, switching to an ARB is usually effective. Watch for elevated potassium.

ARB (Losartan) — Few side effects; rarely causes cough. Watch for elevated potassium similarly to ACE Inhibitors.

CCB (Amlodipine) — Ankle swelling, facial flushing, headache, dizziness. These often improve as the body adjusts.

Alpha Blocker (Doxazosin) — Dizziness when standing up (especially initially), drowsiness. Best taken at bedtime.

Primary hypertension (90-95% of cases) is a chronic condition with no permanent cure. Medication "controls" blood pressure; it doesn't "fix" it.

Think of it like glasses — they help you see clearly, but removing them doesn't fix your vision. Blood pressure medication works the same way: while you take it, pressure stays controlled; stop, and it rises again.

Stopping medication abruptly without medical guidance can cause a dangerous sudden spike called Rebound Hypertension.

Hypertension rarely exists in isolation. It's commonly associated with other health problems.

❤️ Heart disease — Chronic hypertension forces the heart to work harder, leading to enlargement and heart failure risk.

🧠 Stroke — Hypertension is the number one risk factor for stroke.

🩸 Kidney disease — High pressure damages the delicate blood vessels in the kidneys, accelerating decline.

👁️ Eye damage (Retinopathy) — High pressure damages retinal blood vessels, potentially causing vision loss.

💊 Diabetes, high cholesterol, gout — Frequently co-occur with hypertension. See our diabetes, cholesterol, and gout collections.

A common concern, especially among men.

Some classes (particularly Beta Blockers and certain diuretics) can affect sexual function. However, the medications available at Intimo Life generally have minimal impact.

Least impact on sexual function — ARBs (Losartan) and CCBs (Amlodipine) have the lowest reported rates of sexual side effects.

If you experience this issue, do not stop your blood pressure medication. Consult a pharmacist about switching drug classes, and consider treating erectile dysfunction alongside your blood pressure management.

Lifestyle modifications can reduce blood pressure by 5-15 mmHg — a clinically meaningful amount.

🧂 Reduce sodium — Aim for less than 2,000 mg/day. Avoid processed foods, reduce soy sauce and fish sauce, read nutrition labels.

🏃 Exercise regularly — At least 150 minutes per week (30 minutes x 5 days) of moderate-intensity activity like brisk walking, swimming, or cycling.

⚖️ Lose weight — Every 1 kg lost reduces blood pressure by approximately 1 mmHg.

🚭 Quit smoking — Smoking causes blood vessels to narrow and harden, increasing heart and stroke risk.

🍺 Limit alcohol — No more than 1-2 drinks per day.

😌 Manage stress — Chronic stress raises blood pressure. Prioritise sleep and relaxation.

See a doctor if you experience:

🚨 Blood pressure above 180/120 mmHg (crisis — seek help immediately) / unusually severe headache / chest pain or breathing difficulty / one-sided weakness, slurred speech, or facial drooping (possible stroke signs) / sudden blurred vision / significant ankle swelling / medication not controlling blood pressure, or intolerable side effects