High Blood Pressure

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High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a condition where the force of blood against the walls of the arteries is consistently too high. 

Around 34% of adult Australians have hypertension, corresponding to over 6 million individuals.

Hypertension can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

• Genetics
• Age
• Being overweight or obese
• Lack of physical activity
• High salt diet
• Smoking
• Alcohol consumption
• Chronic kidney disease
• Thyroid disorders
• Sleep apnea

Most people with high blood pressure have no noticeable symptoms. In extreme cases, symptoms might include:

• Headaches
• Shortness of breath
• Dizziness
• Chest pain
• Visual changes
• Blood in the urine

• Thiazide diuretics: Hydrochlorothiazide
• ACE inhibitors: Ramipril, Enalapril
• ARBs (Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers): Irbesartan, Valsartan
• Beta blockers: Atenolol, Metoprolol
• Calcium channel blockers: Amlodipine, Nifedipine

• Thiazide diuretics: Dehydration, electrolyte imbalance
• ACE inhibitors: Dry cough, high blood potassium levels, kidney dysfunction
• ARBs: Dizziness, high potassium levels, kidney dysfunction
• Beta blockers: Fatigue, cold hands and feet, weight gain
• Calcium channel blockers: Swelling of legs and feet, constipation, palpitations

Around one in four adults globally has high blood pressure, equating to approximately 1.13 billion people. 

In Australia, an estimated 34% of adults have hypertension, corresponding to over 6 million individuals.

• Food as Medicine: The DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy and has been shown to reduce blood pressure.
• Exercise: Regular physical activity, especially cardiovascular exercise, can significantly lower blood pressure.
• Stress Management: Techniques like mindfulness and meditation can help manage stress, a known contributor to high blood pressure.
• Herbal and Nutritional Medicines: Some herbs, such as hibiscus and maritime pine, and nutritional supplements including magnesium and ubiquinol, have been studied for their potential to reduce blood pressure. Consultation with a healthcare provider is essential.

De-prescribing in hypertension management may be appropriate for some patients, particularly when lifestyle modifications have been successfully implemented or if the risk of medication side effects outweighs the benefits.

Individualized Treatment Plans: Tailored treatment strategies, combining lifestyle modifications and medication adjustments, can support safe de-prescribing.
Multidisciplinary Approach: Collaborative care involving your GP and other healthcare practitioners can facilitate successful de-prescribing.

Deprescribing for hypertension requires careful evaluation and a patient-centred approach, with an emphasis on holistic and lifestyle interventions. It's an ongoing process that requires continuous monitoring and collaboration with a healthcare team experienced in both pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments for high blood pressure.