Stiftung Warentest
Which medications help against high blood pressure – and which tips sufferers should heed
Measuring high blood pressure regularly is important in order to detect high values early
© PIKSEL / Getty Images
High blood pressure often remains undetected for a long time and can become dangerous without treatment. Stiftung Warentest has taken a close look at common antihypertensive drugs. Which ones help and what else helps against high blood pressure?
High blood pressure is very widespread in Germany – 20 to 30 million people in Germany are affected. However, around one in ten people do not seek treatment even though they know they have high blood pressure. This can be dangerous: If blood pressure remains untreated, it can damage organs, trigger a heart attack, kidney failure or a stroke. Many sufferers are prescribed blood pressure lowering drugs by their doctor in order to regulate the high values. They have to be taken daily, sometimes for years or decades. Having to take medication every day can seem daunting, but it is important and useful if you have high blood pressure. Stiftung Warentest examined common antihypertensive drugs.
High blood pressure, also known as arterial hypertension, is chronically increased pressure in the vessels that carry blood from the heart to the organs. From values of 140/90 mmHg (millimeter mercury column) this is called arterial hypertension. The two values indicate the pressure when the heart is pumping (systolic) and when it is relaxing between heartbeats (diastolic). The optimal blood pressure for people aged 18 and over should be 120/80 mmHg. Treacherously, many patients don’t notice their high blood pressure for a long time – it doesn’t cause any pain. And it is often only noticed when secondary damage such as coronary heart disease has already occurred.
High blood pressure often goes unnoticed for a long time
The first signs of high blood pressure are non-specific symptoms: nervousness, palpitations, dizziness, headaches, sleep disorders and reduced performance. What helps: Measure your blood pressure regularly. Stiftung Warentest recommends having the value checked during a visit to the doctor if it’s convenient. But blood pressure can also easily be measured at home. However, a value of 135/85 mmHg is considered high blood pressure because the value is measured in a relaxed situation within your own four walls.
ACE inhibitors, diuretics, beta blockers, sartans, calcium antagonists – these are the names of the five major classes of blood pressure lowering drugs. Stiftung Warentest examined their effectiveness. And the result: All remedies can demonstrably lower blood pressure. And Stiftung Warentest rates them as suitable. This means that the benefits clearly outweigh the risks. Depending on the previous illnesses and the severity of the high blood pressure, the treating doctors select the appropriate preparations. When you start taking antihypertensive drugs, you may feel tired.
In rare cases, high blood pressure can have organic causes; several factors usually play a role: age, genes and lifestyle. People with high blood pressure can change their own lifestyle.
What happens if…
Quitting smoking: Changes can be noticed just 20 minutes after the last cigarette
Tips to lower blood pressure:
- Movement
Through exercise in everyday life and sport, blood pressure can be reduced. The German Heart Foundation recommends being active for 30 minutes at least five times a week. Endurance sports such as cycling, walking, running or swimming are particularly recommended. - Pay attention to the weight
Obesity is a risk factor for high blood pressure. It is therefore important to pay attention to maintaining your own weight or trying to reduce excess weight. - Less salt
Anyone who has high blood pressure should eat as little salt as possible. The German Heart Foundation recommends a maximum of a teaspoon of salt per day. - Balanced nutrition
Meat, sausage, sweets, sugary drinks and alcohol should rarely be on the menu. However, legumes, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts and vegetable oils should often end up on the plate. Fish should be eaten instead of meat. - Stop smoking
No matter how long you have been smoking, quitting smoking has a positive effect on your blood pressure. This also applies to vaporizers and e-cigarettes. - avoid stress
If you can relax well and allow yourself to rest, you will also help your blood pressure. If you have high blood pressure, you should find something in your everyday life that will calm you down. This could be a daily walk through the park, meditation, yoga or Thai Chi.
Read the entire test (for a fee) at Stiftung Warentest!
Sources: German Heart Foundation,Lancet study, RKI high blood pressure fact sheet, High pressure league