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Contents
  • What Is Resistant Hypertension?
  • Common Causes Behind Resistant Hypertension
  • Lifestyle Changes Can Make a Difference
  • Why Medication Adherence Is Vital

Is Resistant Hypertension Putting Your Heart at Risk?

Is Resistant Hypertension Putting Your Heart at Risk?

Why It Matters

Resistant hypertension is a stubborn form of high blood pressure that doesn't respond to typical treatments. Understanding this condition is crucial because it significantly raises the risk of heart disease.
Contents
  • What Is Resistant Hypertension?
  • Common Causes Behind Resistant Hypertension
  • Lifestyle Changes Can Make a Difference
  • Why Medication Adherence Is Vital

What Is Resistant Hypertension?

Resistant hypertension is when blood pressure remains high despite using three different types of medications, one of which should be a diuretic. True resistant hypertension means that other factors like white coat syndrome or not taking medications properly have been ruled out. It's a serious condition that requires specialized treatment to prevent heart-related problems.

Common Causes Behind Resistant Hypertension

Secondary causes are often behind resistant hypertension, with sleep apnea, primary aldosteronism, and renal artery stenosis being the most common culprits. These conditions can sometimes be reversed, which helps in managing blood pressure. Identifying these causes is crucial because they require different treatment approaches compared to regular hypertension.
Resistant hypertension is a form of high blood pressure that remains elevated despite treatment with three different medications, including a diuretic. It significantly increases the risk of heart disease.

Lifestyle Changes Can Make a Difference

Adopting a healthier lifestyle can significantly lower blood pressure in those with resistant hypertension. This includes losing weight, exercising, eating a balanced diet like the DASH diet, and reducing salt intake. These changes not only help control blood pressure but also have multiple other health benefits.

Why Medication Adherence Is Vital

Nonadherence to prescribed medication is a major hurdle in treating resistant hypertension. Simplifying medication regimens and using long-acting drugs can improve adherence. Addressing side effects and cost issues also plays a key role in ensuring patients stick to their treatment plans.

FAQs

What is resistant hypertension?

It's high blood pressure that doesn't improve with typical treatments.

Why is resistant hypertension dangerous?

It significantly increases the risk of heart disease and other complications.

Can lifestyle changes help manage resistant hypertension?

Yes, weight loss, exercise, and diet can all help lower blood pressure.

What causes resistant hypertension?

Common causes include sleep apnea and certain hormonal disorders.

How does medication adherence affect treatment?

Sticking to medication schedules is crucial for controlling resistant hypertension.

Key Takeaways

Resistant hypertension is a serious condition that requires a comprehensive approach to manage effectively.
Talk to Doctronic about managing resistant hypertension and protecting your heart health!
Additional References
  1. Carey RM, Calhoun DA, Bakris GL, et al. Resistant Hypertension: Detection, Evaluation, and Management: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association. Hypertension 2018; 72:e53.
  2. Williams B, Mancia G, Spiering W, et al. 2018 ESC/ESH Guidelines for the management of arterial hypertension. Eur Heart J 2018; 39:3021.
  3. Whelton PK, Carey RM, Aronow WS, et al. 2017 ACC/AHA/AAPA/ABC/ACPM/AGS/APhA/ASH/ASPC/NMA/PCNA Guideline for the Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Management of High Blood Pressure in Adults: A Report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Task Force on Clinical Practice Guidelines. Hypertension 2018; 71:e13.
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic.