Millions of Americans know that they have high blood pressure. Millions of other Americans don't know that they have high blood pressure. Furthermore, millions more are at risk for high blood pressure. Since a person can have hypertension without ever displaying any symptoms, the only way to determine whether you have high blood pressure or not is consistent monitoring of your blood pressure.

If you have mild hypertension you may only need to make lifestyle changes and monitor your blood pressure regularly at home. For more severe hypertension, antihypertensive medication may be prescribed in conjunction with lifestyle changes. Many medications have side effects that may affect your daily life, so consult a doctor before starting any medication.

 

Many people are beginning to look to alternative medicine for ways to control their blood pressure. Dietary supplements and eastern medicine are quickly gaining in popularity as people look for simple, inexpensive methods to solve their health problems. Alternative medicine usually has added health benefits and usually lacks the side effects that often come with medications.

 

This section is divided into multiple articles dealing with hypertension treatment. To research other hypertension or health topics, please use the morefocus search box, or see the related topics listed to the left.