Hypertension comparison study of the best remedies for high blood pressure

What helps best? Common medicines for hypertension studied

According to health experts, almost every third adult in Germany suffers from hypertension. Many do not know for a long time about their hypertension. This can have dire consequences. Although in many cases the problem can be controlled by more exercise, a healthy diet and stress management, sometimes the use of medication becomes necessary. Stiftung Warentest has now taken a closer look at common medicines for high blood pressure.

Risk factor for dangerous cardiovascular diseases

Especially in the Western world, hypertension is considered a widespread disease. In this country, according to the German High Pressure League (DHL) about 20 to 30 million people are affected. High blood pressure is a major risk factor for dangerous cardiovascular diseases such as heart attack and stroke. To lower blood pressure, it is often enough to eat healthier and exercise more. But in some patients hypertension needs to be treated with medication. Stiftung Warentest gives in the current issue of the magazine "test" an overview of which active ingredients and preparations are right for whom.

High blood pressure can often be reduced by a healthier lifestyle with regular exercise and balanced nutrition. Sometimes it also has to be medication. Stiftung Warentest has now taken a closer look at common antihypertensive agents. (Image: Bits and Splits / fotolia.com)

The creeping danger

High blood pressure is sometimes referred to as a "silent killer" because it is often not noticeable by symptoms and is often discovered only when it has already caused organ damage.

Often, a physician determines the high levels of routine checks. Those who suffer from hypertension should definitely act.

But how high does the blood pressure actually have to be for it to be treated??

In Germany, physicians usually diagnose hypertension when the meter regularly displays values ​​of at least 140/90 millimeters of mercury (mmHg) when carefully measured.

But after publication of the so-called Sprint study from the USA three years ago it was said to be 120 instead of 140 the new blood pressure target.

In the meantime, American medical societies have decided to reduce their blood pressure to 130 instead of 140 so far.

In Germany, the echo is behaving on it. Some physicians fear that lower treatment levels may lead to some people being prescribed drugs too soon.

Other experts would welcome the future value of treatments for individual and specific diseases.

Lower blood pressure naturally

Mild and moderate high blood pressure can often be lowered without medication.

In addition to weight loss, regular exercise and quitting smoking, a balanced, healthy diet can help reduce blood pressure.

Very important here is: salt only in moderation. A high salt diet can increase blood pressure. Not more than four to six grams of salt should be consumed per day. It should be noted that also in most finished products often large amounts of salt are included.

The diet should generally contain a lot of fruits and vegetables. Alcohol should be avoided as much as possible.

In addition, stress relief exercises such as yoga or autogenic training can be very effective and have a positive effect on high blood pressure levels.

Some home remedies for hypertension such as Kneipp's applications can provide good support.

Sometimes medication is needed

Some people do not come around for medication.

"This is especially the case in patients with severe hypertension who suffer from other serious diseases (such as kidney disease), and also in many women from the menopause," writes Stiftung Warentest on its website.

According to the product test, these drugs are among the best-studied drugs. They are prescription. Many are suitable for a lifelong intake.

Drug experts from Stiftung Warentest have scientifically evaluated the active ingredients - ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, diuretics and calcium antagonists - and explained who is best suited for them.

The results can be viewed on their website for a fee.

Unpleasant side effects

It explains, among other things, that depending on the age and comorbidities, different remedies are suitable for therapy. In addition, it is discussed that medicines for high blood pressure - as well as all other drugs - can cause side effects.

Among the most common include gastrointestinal complaints, headaches and dizziness. In addition, some preparations cause fatigue, others make the skin sensitive to the sun.

And ACE inhibitors cause irritable cough in many patients.

"In such cases, it is important not simply to discontinue the ACE inhibitor without replacement, since ACE inhibitors in many cases provide for a high level of protection of blood vessels and various organs such as the heart," warns. med. Vinzenz von Kageneck, specialist in internal medicine, cardiology, in a consultation of the German Heart Foundation.

"Instead, the ACE inhibitor can be replaced by an active substance from the group of the so-called Sartane in the case of irritating cough such as: Candesartan, valsartan, losartan or irbesartan. "

According to the physician, the effect of Sartane is comparable to the effect of ACE inhibitors, but with the big difference that usually no irritating cough is to be expected as a side effect. (Ad)