It was just amazing. During the next few weeks, Dunbar's pressure increased, but not as high as before he started the study. It will be several months before researchers have enough data to evaluate the treatment's effectiveness for Dunbar and the 19 other volunteers. If it works, it will be one more therapy doctors can add to their arsenal of treatments for high blood pressure. That's why we're continually researching new treatments to fight this silent killer.
Lifestyle changes are usually the first treatment physicians recommend.
One of the first places to start is weight control, says Ferrario. Obesity has become a major risk factor. We've learned that most patients can reduce their blood pressure by 10 mm of mercury by lowering their weight. The latest drugs have few side effects and have an added benefit-they may help reduce the sexual dysfunction associated with hypertension. The drugs, with names like Avapro, Cozaar, Diovan and Micardis, block angiotensin, a hormone that causes high blood pressure, and keep it from binding to body tissues.