To get as accurate a reading as possible, the doctor may ask the patient to bring the device in to the office to make sure it is calibrated properly. This can usually be done by comparing the device's readings with readings taken at the same time with the doctor's blood pressure equipment. Treating Hypertension Treatment can vary with the level of elevation of the blood pressure, as well as the patient's age and health. According to FDA's Fenichel, sometimes lifestyle changes can reduce blood pressure by 5 points or so. They include stopping smoking, reducing alcohol intake, losing excess weight, and making certain dietary changes, such as reducing sodium intake and possibly increasing potassium, calcium and magnesium intake.
Some experts also recommend exercise and relaxation techniques, such as meditation.
FDA has approved numerous drugs for treating hypertension. This reduces the amount of fluid in the blood and flushes sodium from the blood vessels so that they can open wider, increasing blood flow and thus reducing the blood's pressure against the vessels. Often diuretics are used in combination with other high blood pressure drugs. These drugs slow the heartbeat by blocking the effect of nerve impulses to the heart and blood vessels, thereby lessening the burden on the heart. These inhibit formation of the hormone angiotensin II, which causes blood vessels to narrow, thus increasing blood pressure.