Understanding Hypertension: Essential Patient Education and Expert Care Optimum Care Partners
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a common but serious health condition affecting
millions worldwide. Often called the “silent killer,” it can quietly damage your heart, kidneys,
and blood vessels without obvious symptoms. At Optimum Care Partners, we are
committed to providing our patients with expert care and comprehensive education to help
them manage hypertension effectively and reduce their risk of complications.
What is Hypertension?
Hypertension occurs when the pressure of blood pushing against the walls of your arteries
remains consistently too high. Blood pressure is recorded as two numbers:
- Systolic (pressure when the heart beats) over
- Diastolic (pressure when the heart rests)
According to the American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association
guidelines:
Category Systolic(mm Hg) Diastolic (mm Hg)
Normal Less than 120 Less than 80
Elevated 120–129 Less than 80
Stage1 Hypertension 130–139 80–89
Stage2 Hypertension 140 or higher 90 or higher
Persistent readings in the Stage 1 or Stage 2 range indicate hypertension and warrant
medical attention.
Why is Managing Hypertension Important?
Uncontrolled hypertension significantly increases the risk of heart attacks, strokes, kidney
failure, and other cardiovascular diseases. Globally, hypertension is a leading cause of
premature death and disability. Because it often has no symptoms, regular monitoring and
timely treatment are critical to prevent serious outcomes.
Causes of Hypertension
Hypertension arises from a mix of modifiable and non-modifiable factors:
Primary (Essential) Hypertension
Accounts for 90–95% of cases and develops gradually due to:
Modifiable Risk Factors: This simply means that these risk factors are within your
control. By adjusting them, you can not only change the severity of diseases but may
even be able to prevent it altogether.
- Unhealthy Diets: Excessive salt intake (>5g/day), high saturated/trans fats, and low
fruit/vegetable consumption. - Physical Inactivity: Sedentary lifestyles contribute to obesity and metabolic
dysfunction. - Tobacco and Alcohol Use: Smoking damages blood vessels, while heavy alcohol
use elevates blood pressure. - Obesity: Each 2.2 lbs (1 kg) of weight loss reduces blood pressure by ~1 mmHg.
- Chronic Stress and Poor Sleep: Linked to hormonal changes that increase
hypertension risk.
Non-Modifiable Risk Factors: This means that these risk factors are not within your
control. Therefore, if you have these risk factors, it becomes even more essential that
you take care of the modifiable risk factors.
- Age: Risk increases significantly after 65.
- Genetics: Family history and epigenetic factors (e.g., maternal diet during
pregnancy) play a role. - Race: Systemic inequities contribute to higher prevalence in Black populations.
Secondary Hypertension
Secondary Hypertension
This type of hypertension is the result of any underlying conditions that you may have:
Kidney Disease: Impaired kidney function disrupts fluid and salt balance.
Endocrine Disorders: Hyperaldosteronism, Cushing syndrome, or thyroid dysfunction
Obstructive Sleep Apnea: Intermittent hypoxia increases sympathetic nervous system
activity.
Medications: NSAIDs, decongestants, and immunosuppressants (e.g., cyclosporine)
Evidence-Based Management of Hypertension by Optimum Care Partners
The 2021 WHO Guideline for the Pharmacological Treatment of Hypertension in Adults provides the most current, evidence-based recommendations for managing hypertension globally. At Optimum Care Partners, we treat each patient in accordance with these guidelines while keeping the individual concerns and disease presentation of each of our patients in view:
When to Start Treatment: Pharmacological treatment is recommended for adults with confirmed hypertension (≥140/90 mmHg) and for those with cardiovascular disease (CVD) at lower thresholds (≥130 mmHg systolic).
First-Line Medications: WHO recommends three main classes of antihypertensive drugs as initial treatment:
1. Thiazide and thiazide-like diuretics
2. Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE inhibitors) or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs)
3. Long-acting dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers (CCBs).
Combination Therapy: Using a combination of two or more drugs, preferably as a single-pill combination, improves adherence and blood pressure control.
Target Blood Pressure: The treatment goal is generally <140/90 mmHg for most
patients without comorbidities, and <130 mmHg systolic for patients with known CVD, diabetes, or chronic kidney disease.
Follow-Up: Monthly follow-up is suggested after starting or changing medication until blood pressure is controlled, then every 3–6 months1.
Task Sharing: Treatment can be safely managed by trained nonphysician healthcare professionals such as nurses and pharmacists under physician oversight, improving access to care.
At Optimum Care Partners, we have all these protocols in check. We follow a systematic but contextual protocol to manage any other diseases that you might be suffering from as well
Lifestyle Modifications: The Foundation of Hypertension Control
While medication is often necessary, lifestyle changes play a crucial role in managing hypertension and improving overall cardiovascular health. Dietary experts at Optimum Care Partners ensure that our patients who are at the risk of developing hypertension or have already developed hypertension receive prompt dietary & lifestyle modification advice.
Healthy Diet: Adopt a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy, while reducing salt intake to less than 1,500 mg per day where possible.
Regular Physical Activity: Engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise weekly.
Weight Management: Losing excess weight can significantly reduce blood pressure.
Limit Alcohol and Quit Smoking: Both alcohol and tobacco use contribute to elevated blood pressure and cardiovascular risk.
Stress Reduction and Adequate Sleep: Managing stress and ensuring 7–9 hours of quality sleep per night support blood pressure control.
How Do We Support You in Your Journey Against Hypertension
At Optimum Care Partners, we combine cutting-edge clinical care with patient education to
help you manage hypertension effectively:
- Comprehensive Evaluation: We use evidence-based protocols aligned with WHO guidelines to assess your blood pressure and cardiovascular risk accurately.
- Personalized Treatment Plans: Our expert physicians tailor medication regimens and lifestyle advice to your individual needs.
- Patient Education: We provide clear, accessible information about hypertension, medication adherence, and lifestyle changes through counseling, printed materials, and
digital tools. - Multidisciplinary Care: Our team includes physicians, nurses, dietitians, and pharmacists working together to support your health journey.
- Follow-Up and Monitoring: Regular appointments and remote monitoring options ensure your blood pressure stays within target ranges.
- Community Outreach: We actively promote hypertension awareness and prevention in the community through educational programs.
Take Control of Your Health Today
Hypertension is manageable with the right care and knowledge. Early diagnosis, adherence to treatment, and lifestyle changes can dramatically reduce your risk of complications. Call us at 405-471-6511 to schedule a consultation today. Take the first step toward a healthier
you with us.
References
- World Health Organization. Guideline for the pharmacological treatment of hypertension in adults. Geneva: WHO; 2021. Available at: https://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/344424/9789240033986-eng.pdf [Accessed 2025]
- World Health Organization. Guideline for the pharmacological treatment of hypertension in adults. 2021. Available
at: https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240033986 [Accessed 2025]. - Ettehad D, et al. 2021 WHO guideline on pharmacological treatment of hypertension in adults: policy implications. PLoS Med. 2022;19(3):e1003880. Available
at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9107389/ [Accessed 2025] - Mills KT, et al. Hypertension Pharmacological Treatment in Adults: A World Health Organization Guideline Summary. Hypertension. 2022;79(1):134-142. Available at: https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/HYPERTENSIONAHA.121.18192 [Accessed2025].