Salt (sodium) intake
Many people consume far more salt than their bodies actually need. Reducing the amount of salt in your diet can help lower your blood pressure.
Stress
Stress can come from many places—your job, financial pressures, family issues. It can also contribute to high blood pressure. Look for ways to reduce the stress in your life and you may find that your blood pressure improves.
Lifestyle changes may help, but they may not be enough
For many people, exercise and making healthier food choices are helpful, but not enough to get them within a healthier blood pressure range (less than 140/90 to 120/80 mm Hg or below).2 In this case, there are many different blood pressure medications that can help.
To see how Diovan may help you reach your blood pressure goal, request our free information kit that includes a Diovan Patient Savings Card worth up to $240.
The right treatment can help you manage and lower your numbers
Though high blood pressure is a disease that cannot be cured, it can be managed over time through a combination of diet, exercise, and the right medication. You may find that determining the right medication can seem overwhelming, but educating yourself about the different options and talking with your doctor can help.
Understanding high blood pressure medication
You may hear your doctor refer to antihypertensives, which is a term used to classify high blood pressure medications. There are several types of antihypertensives and each affect your body's blood pressure differently. Your doctor will be able to determine which one is best for you.
The following is a look at some of the different blood pressure medications and how they work:
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Angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), which work by blocking a chemical that causes your blood vessels to constrict (tighten or narrow). This action can cause high blood pressure. When the chemical is blocked, blood vessels relax so that blood can flow more easily. |
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ACE inhibitors, which stop the body from converting a chemical in your body called angiotensin I into a chemical called angiotensin II. Angiotensin II causes blood vessels to narrow. This raises your blood pressure. ACE inhibitors prevent harmful effects of angiotensin II from being produced and exerting its harmful effects on blood vessels. |
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Diuretics, also known as "water pills," which work by flushing excess sodium and water from the body. This reduces blood volume, which helps lower blood pressure. |
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Calcium channel blockers, which prevent calcium from entering the muscle cells of the heart and blood vessels. This causes the blood vessels to relax, so your blood pressure is lowered. |
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Beta blockers, which lower blood pressure by acting on the nervous system. These drugs slow the heart, so it doesn't work as hard to pump blood through blood vessels. This allows blood pressure to drop. |
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Direct Renin Inhibitors (DRIs), which work in the body by helping vessels relax and widen so blood pressure is lowered. |
If you're thinking of talking to your doctor about medication and would like to save up to $240 on Diovan or Diovan HCT, request our free information kit to learn more. Then ask your doctor if Diovan is right for you.
Diovan Patient Savings Card Terms and Conditions
1 National Institutes of Health and National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI [2]). Your Guide to Lowering Blood Pressure. May 2003pg. 14, Section A
2 Chobanian AV, Bakris GL, Black HR, et. al, and the National High Blood Pressure Education Program Coordinating Committee. The Seventh Report of the Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation and Treatment of High Blood Pressure - JNC 7 Complete Version. Hypertension. Dec 2003; 42: 1206-1252, pg. 1211, Section D
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