High blood pressure is the most widespread cardiovascular disease and represents the first chronic condition in France. She would touch about one in three adults. Its frequency increases with age: it affects less than 10 % of 18-34 year olds, but concerns more than 65 % of people over 65. It therefore concerns a lot of people. But can we cure hypertension?
A chronic disease, but on which we can act
First good news advanced by our expert: high blood pressure (HTA) is a chronic disease, but that does not mean that it is irreversible. According to Dr. Gérald Kierzek, it is possible to control it effectively, or even improve it, especially when detected early, at the pre-hypertension stage. “”It all depends on the causes, the severity of the situation, the patient’s lifestyle and his response to treatments “ he supports. But it should therefore not be considered as fatality.
When the tension is “a little too high”
“”In the event of prehypertension-a tension slightly higher than normal, located between 130-139/85-89 mmhg-it is often possible to reverse the trend without medication “ continues the doctor. Targeted changes in lifestyle may be enough:
- Adopt a healthier diet, reducing salt and favoring fruits and vegetables (Dash or Mediterranean diets);
- Move more, with at least 30 minutes of physical activity per day (walking, cycling, swimming, etc.);
- Losing weight, even moderately: a loss of 5 to 10 % can already lower the tension;
- Better manage stress and improve sleep, with techniques such as meditation, yoga, or treatment of sleep disorders such as apnea;
- Reduce your alcohol consumption and quit smoking.
“These measures allow many patients to avoid evolution towards real hypertension” he assures.
And when is hypertension well installed?
If HTA is proven, drug treatment is often necessary. However, an improvement in lifestyle can also make a real difference. “”In some cases, this reduces doses, or even stop treatment, under strict medical supervision ” Dr. Kierzek again.
This is all the more possible if the cause of hypertension has been corrected – for example significant weight loss or the treatment of a hormonal disorder (as a thyroid problem).
Vigilance, on the other hand, remains for life
However, you must remain cautious: hypertension is a silent and recurrent disease. She can come back if we release the efforts, “And in some cases (genetic factors, aging of arteries, etc.), life treatment will be necessary ” still tempers our expert.
In short, we do not always heal hypertension definitively, but in many cases, it can be mastered, even reversible, in particular at the beginning of its evolution. “”Thanks to a healthy lifestyle and suitable treatment, it is possible to live normally and avoid serious complications such as infarction or stroke ” he concludes.