Hypertension: Mechanism and Management

Hypertension is a persistent medical condition characterized by elevated blood pressure. It affects 16-37% of the world population. Excessive salt in the diet, alcohol consumption, smoking and excess body weight are factors that may lead to hypertension. Chronic kidney disease, endocrine disorder, narrowing of the kidney arteries or the disproportionate use of birth control pills may also trigger hypertension. One of the first treatment strategies for the management of hypertension is the integration of the right lifestyle changes with the correct medication course. Lifestyle changes may include weight loss, appropriate dietary modifications and regular exercise. A low sodium diet, DASH diet, green tea consumption and vegetarian diets are known to reduce blood pressure. Aerobic exercise, isometric resistance exercise, device-guided breathing and resistance exercise are considered effective physical exercise regimens. First-line medications, which are generally recommended for the management of hypertension, are calcium channel blockers, thiazide-diuretics, angiotensin receptor blockers, etc. This book explores all the important aspects of hypertension in the present day scenario. It provides significant information of this condition to help develop a good understanding of the treatment and management of hypertension. This book is appropriate for students seeking information in this area as well as for experts.