ANH16173 02:28

MEDICAL ANIMATION TRANSCRIPT: If you or someone you know has high blood pressure, this video will show you some ways to manage it. In most cases, the cause of high blood pressure, or hypertension, is unknown. This type of high blood pressure is called primary, or essential hypertension. Treatment for it includes lifestyle changes such as eating a healthy diet. If you are sensitive to the sodium in salt, your doctor may tell you to eat less salt and processed foods. Sodium may cause your body to retain water. This increases the amount of your blood and make sure blood pressure go up. Other lifestyle changes can lower your blood pressure. They include not drinking too much alcohol, getting regular exercise, losing weight if you need to, and quitting smoking. Your doctor may also recommend medications that act on your kidneys, blood vessels, or heart to help lower your blood pressure. Diuretics, commonly called water pills, cause your kidneys to move more salt and water from your blood into your urine. This reduces both the amount of your blood and your blood pressure. Beta blockers reduce the workload on your heart in two ways. They slow your heartbeat, and lower the force of each beat. Several types of drugs lower your blood pressure by relaxing your blood vessels. This makes them open up wider. These drugs include ACE inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor blockers, calcium channel blockers, and direct-acting vasodilators. It is important to stay on your medications as directed even if you are feeling better. Do not go off your medication unless your doctor tells you to. If you have any questions about any medications you have been prescribed, speak with your doctor. … more