How to Combat Hypertension?

How to Combat Hypertension? Today, unhealthy eating habits, physical inactivity, excess weight, smoking and excessive salt consumption, among other factors, are causing a rapid increase in the number of hypertension patients. Prof. Dr. Sinan Dağdelen, Cardiologist at Acıbadem Altunizade Hospital, noting that one in three people in our country suffers from hypertension, states: "Although many of our patients report feeling no discomfort despite high blood pressure, this is contrary to what is believed—it is a serious problem. According to scientific data worldwide, hypertension is responsible for two-thirds of stroke disease and half of heart and vessel blockages." According to current studies, only 70% of patients are aware of their hypertension, and Prof. Dr. Sinan Dağdelen notes that many people do not know the rules that must be followed when measuring blood pressure and therefore do not obtain accurate results. He emphasizes that being aware of the disease and continuing treatment regularly is vital. Cardiologist Prof. Dr. Sinan Dağdelen explained three effective methods for reducing high blood pressure, provided information on the latest treatment approaches for resistant hypertension that does not respond to 3-4 medications, and offered important warnings and recommendations. Hypertension, which is increasingly prevalent today regardless of age and progresses insidiously without causing visible complaints for years, is nonetheless a disease that seriously threatens health. High blood pressure causes adverse effects on many organs, particularly the heart and blood vessels, brain vessels, kidneys and eye vessels, and can lead to serious acute complications ranging from stroke to heart attack. Prof. Dr. Sinan Dağdelen, Cardiologist at Acıbadem Altunizade Hospital, emphasizes that all individuals, whether symptomatic or not, must regularly and correctly measure their blood pressure, stating: "Unfortunately, many people do not know the rules that must be followed when measuring blood pressure and therefore do not obtain accurate results. When measuring blood pressure, the first reading must not be taken. For 4-5 consecutive days, the measurement must be taken in a resting state and in a sitting position, not lying down. The arm should be at heart level and measurements should be taken without movement or even conversation. If the average of your 4-5 days of blood pressure readings is 135/85 mmHg or higher, it means you have hypertension and most likely need treatment."

The Importance of Developing Healthy Living Habits

Prof. Dr. Sinan Dağdelen notes that the number of hypertension patients in our country increases rapidly with age, becoming particularly pronounced in the 40s age group. He emphasizes that although the disease has no definitive or radical cure, healthy living habits are of great importance, stating: "The first step in treatment is lifestyle modifications. Healthy living habits include Mediterranean-type diet with emphasis on plant-based foods, avoiding tobacco and alcohol, weight loss, regular exercise, reducing salt intake and avoiding processed meat products." Prof. Dr. Sinan Dağdelen, noting that the second step in treatment is medication, continues: "Blood pressure medications should be prescribed by a specialist and tailored to the patient's age, blood pressure characteristics, cardiovascular function status, kidney and liver function and other blood test findings. Not every medication is suitable for every patient; therefore, someone else's medication may have the opposite effect for you. Additionally, the dose of each medication will differ for each patient. Patients should use their medications regularly as prescribed by their physician."

Does Your Blood Pressure Not Drop Despite 3-4 Daily Medications?

While continuing treatment without interruption and bringing blood pressure to normal levels is critical to reducing vital risks, some patients' blood pressure remains resistant despite 3-4 daily medications, not dropping below 140/90 mmHg. Prof. Dr. Sinan Dağdelen, noting that resistant hypertension affects approximately 12.8% of the population, emphasizes that the results of comprehensive international scientific studies conducted on such patients, particularly over the last 5 years, have been quite successful, stating: "Following these positive scientific results, the European Society of Hypertension announced in its 2021 statement that Renal Denervation therapy is successful against resistant hypertension and declared it a beneficial, safe, and third-line treatment in these patients."

Patients Also Protected from Side Effects of Excessive Medication Burden

Prof. Dr. Sinan Dağdelen, noting that Renal Denervation, applied as a third-line treatment in recent years and achieving successful results in resistant hypertension, also reduces patients' medication burden and side effects, continues: "During the approximately one-hour procedure, the patient is lightly sedated. Through the femoral artery via catheter similar to an angiography, access is gained inside the renal arteries, and the sympathetic nerve network that excessively elevates blood pressure in both kidneys is weakened. The patient is then transferred to a regular bed, and after a check the following morning, is discharged to resume daily activities. The aim of Renal Denervation therapy is to greatly reduce patients' medication burden, thereby lowering blood pressure while protecting the patient from this excessive medication burden and its side effects."