Could high blood pressure be cured or reversed?

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High blood pressure, also known as Hypertension, is a condition in which the blood pressure is higher than the normal range. It is a common condition in Nigeria and affects about 30% of adults in Nigeria.

Hypertension if not properly treated can lead to even more serious conditions like stroke, heart problems and kidney disease.

Hypertension is known as the “silent killer”.

It may not be obvious until it’s found during a routine medical check up.

Hypertension may also cause headaches, dizziness, a rapid heartbeat or other complaints caused by complications like a stroke or kidney disease.

What is the normal blood pressure?

The normal blood pressure should be 120/80mmHg or less.

A doctor would check a person’s blood pressure and perform other assessments before a diagnosis of hypertension is made.

A blood pressure greater than 140/90mmHg means a person may be hypertensive.

110/70mmHg	Normal
110/80mmHg	Normal
120/70mmHg	Normal
120/80mmHg	Normal
150/100mmHg	High
80/50mmHg	Low

What causes hypertension?

1. Essential Hypertension: Most people who develop hypertension, about 95%, do not have a known cause, but their likelihood of developing hypertension could be increased by the following:
   • Genetics: Hypertension runs in families, If your parents are hypertensive then your chances of developing hypertension are higher
   • Age: The risk of developing hypertension increases with age
   • Salt: Consuming too much salt in your diet
   • Smoking: Smoking tobacco in the form of cigarettes and shisha increases the risk of developing hypertension
   • Exercise: Lack of exercise and being obese makes one likely to develop hypertension
2. Secondary Hypertension: In the remaining people who develop hypertension, about 5%, it has a cause. It could be caused by kidney disease, thyroid disorders, pregnancy or use of drugs like cocaine.

So, could hypertension be cured ?

• Essential Hypertension: No
• Secondary Hypertension: Treatment or cure will depend on the cause. For example, some women develop hypertension during pregnancy and this resolves after delivery of the baby most times.

If you have been diagnosed with essential hypertension by your doctor, having your blood pressure return to normal does not mean your hypertension has been cured. Achieving normal blood pressure levels through treatment does not cure essential hypertension; it merely keeps the blood pressure within a healthy range, reducing the risk of complications like stroke, heart disease, and kidney damage.

Could hypertension be cured or reversed using supplements or herbal drugs?

No. Herbal drugs and supplement cannot cure hypertension

Essential Hypertension can be managed with:

• Lifestyle changes: Making changes to your lifestyle like reducing salt intake, eating more fruits and vegetables, excercising, maintaining a healthy weight, quitting smoking and reducing consumption of alcohol
• Drugs: Taking drugs that reduce blood pressure like anti-hypertensives

A doctor would choose the most appropriate way to manage the hypertension.

Which specialist treats hypertension?

Cardiologists are specialists who treat hypertension especially if its not properly controlled or there are complications.