Blood Pressure Treatment — High BP Symptoms, Diet and Best Medicine

What Is Blood Pressure?

Blood pressure (BP) is the force that your blood exerts on the walls of your arteries. It is measured with two numbers — the upper figure (systolic, when the heart beats) and the lower figure (diastolic, when the heart rests). Normal BP is 120/80 mmHg.

Symptoms of High BP (Usually None)

High blood pressure is called the "silent killer" because 95% of people have no symptoms. It often goes undetected until a heart attack, stroke, or kidney damage occurs. When symptoms do appear, they may include:

• Headache, especially at the back of the neck
• Dizziness
• Nosebleed
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain or tightness
• Blood spots in the eyes
• Fatigue

Causes of High Blood Pressure

• Excessive salt — Pakistani diets are high in pickles, papads, and salty snacks
• Overweight or obesity
• Smoking, paan, and chalia
• Sedentary lifestyle / lack of exercise
• High stress levels
• Genetics / family history
• Increasing age
• Kidney disease
• Diabetes
• Sleep apnoea

Immediate Treatment for High Blood Pressure

If your reading is 160+/100+:

1. Sit down calmly and breathe deeply
2. Drink a glass of water
3. Do not skip your regular BP medication
4. Remove yourself from any stressful situation
5. Recheck after 15 minutes
6. If reading is 180+/120+ or you have chest pain, shortness of breath, or weakness on one side — call 1122 immediately

Long-Term Control — Lifestyle First

1. Reduce Salt (The Single Most Important Step)

The average Pakistani diet contains around 12 grams of salt per day — the recommended limit is only 5 grams (1 teaspoon). How to cut back:

• Eat less takeaway food, bakery items, and crisps
• Avoid pickles, papads, and salty biscuits
• Check the labels on soup mixes and ready-made spices (high in sodium)
• Do not add extra salt at the table
• Use lemon juice, garlic, or chilli for flavour instead

2. DASH Diet

A heart-healthy eating plan that can lower BP by 8–14 mmHg:

• Plenty of fruits and vegetables (5+ servings/day)
• Whole grains (oats, brown rice, whole-wheat roti)
• Lentils, beans, and legumes
• Skinless chicken and fish
• Low-fat dairy
• Avoid: red meat, sugar, and saturated fats

3. Exercise

A daily 30-minute walk or jog can reduce BP by 5–8 mmHg. Aim for 5 days per week.

4. Lose Weight

Every 1 kg lost equates to roughly 1 mmHg reduction in BP. Losing 10 kg produces significant control.

5. Quit Smoking and Alcohol

6. Manage Stress

Prayer, deep breathing, walking, and hobbies all help. Stress directly raises blood pressure.

Best BP Medicines Available in Pakistan

These require a doctor's prescription — never take them on your own:

• Calcium channel blockers: Amlodipine (Norvasc, Tenoton), 5–10 mg/day. Most commonly prescribed in Pakistan.
• ARBs (Angiotensin Receptor Blockers): Losartan (Lostan), Valsartan, Telmisartan. Best choice for patients with diabetes.
• ACE Inhibitors: Capoten, Zestril (lisinopril). May cause a dry cough as a side effect.
• Beta blockers: Tenormin (atenolol), Inderal (propranolol). Also lower heart rate.
• Diuretics: Hydrochlorothiazide (Hydrazide), Lasix. Increase urine output.

Combination tablets: Doctors often prescribe two medicines in a single tablet (e.g., Norvasc + Lostan).

How to Measure BP Correctly

• Avoid caffeine or cigarettes for 30 minutes beforehand
• Sit quietly for 5 minutes before measuring
• Feet flat on the floor, back supported, arm at heart level
• Apply the cuff correctly on a bare arm
• Take two readings in the morning and evening for one week
• Use the average — do not panic over a single high reading

Special Considerations for Pakistan

• BP in pregnancy: 140/90+ is a warning sign for pre-eclampsia — see a doctor immediately
• White-coat hypertension: BP rising in the doctor's clinic is common — also check at home with your own machine
• Ramadan: Diuretic doses may need to be adjusted during fasting
• Travelling abroad: Carry a full supply of your medication

When to Go to the ER Immediately

• BP 180/120+ (hypertensive crisis)
• Chest pain or pressure
• Severe shortness of breath
• Weakness or numbness on one side, difficulty speaking (stroke)
• Sudden blurred vision or loss of vision
• Uncontrolled nosebleed
• BP 140/90+ in a pregnant woman

Conclusion

High blood pressure is a lifelong condition — but with the right lifestyle and medication it is entirely controllable. In Pakistan, 50% of people with high BP do not know they have it — getting checked once a year is essential. Never stop your BP medication on your own, even if your readings look normal — the medication is why they are normal. On Ilaaj AI, you can get regular follow-ups, medication adjustments, and diet planning — in just a few minutes.