Hypertension Treatment

Hypertension (high blood pressure) is a common condition in the UAE and worldwide. The good news is that with proper treatment and lifestyle changes, it can be managed effectively – reducing your risk of serious complications like heart attack, stroke, and kidney problems. At HealthHub Clinics in Dubai, our Cardiology team provides comprehensive care to help you control your blood pressure and maintain a healthy heart.

Whether you’ve recently been diagnosed or have been living with hypertension for years, we tailor our approach to your needs. From accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plans to ongoing follow-up and support services, we are with you every step of the way on your journey to better blood pressure and overall health.

Understanding Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)

Hypertension means your blood pressure is consistently higher than normal (typically above 130/80 mmHg over time). It usually develops slowly and often has no obvious symptoms, which is why it’s nicknamed the “silent killer.” You can feel fine even if your blood pressure is high, while the excess pressure is quietly damaging your arteries and organs. If left untreated, hypertension significantly increases the risk of heart disease, heart failure, stroke, kidney damage, and other serious issues. This makes early detection and management vital to protect your health.

Lifestyle Modifications for Blood Pressure Control

Lifestyle changes are crucial in treating hypertension. Our doctors and health coaches will help you with the following modifications:

Healthy Eating (Low-Salt Diet): Adopt a heart-healthy diet low in salt and rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and lean proteins. Our dietitians will create a meal plan that meets your nutritional needs.
Regular Exercise and Weight Management: Engage in at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week. Losing even a small amount of weight can help reduce blood pressure. We’ll find safe exercise routines that fit your lifestyle.
Stress Management: Practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, and yoga. HealthHub offers stress reduction counseling to help you manage daily stresses.
Limit Alcohol and Quit Smoking: Limit alcohol to moderate levels and quit smoking to improve blood pressure and heart health. We provide resources and programs to help you quit smoking or reduce alcohol consumption.

Making these changes can be challenging, but the HealthHub team will support and motivate you. These healthy habits can improve your blood pressure readings and may even reduce the amount of medication needed.

Treatment with Antihypertensive Medications

For many people, lifestyle improvements alone aren’t enough to get blood pressure down to a safe range. In such cases, our cardiologists will prescribe antihypertensive medications to help control your blood pressure. These medications are proven to be safe and effective, and we tailor the choice of drug to your individual needs (considering factors like how high your blood pressure is, your age, and other health conditions). Often, we start with a low dose of a single medication and monitor your response, then adjust the dose or add another medicine if needed to reach your target blood pressure.

There are several types of blood pressure medications. Some of the common categories include:

Diuretics (Water Pills): Help the kidneys remove excess salt and water from the body, which lowers blood pressure by reducing fluid volume.
ACE Inhibitors / ARBs: Relax and widen the blood vessels by blocking certain hormones. This helps blood flow more easily and lowers pressure.
Beta-Blockers: Reduce the heart rate and the force of contraction, so the heart pumps with less pressure.
Calcium Channel Blockers: Prevent tightening of the blood vessel muscles, causing blood vessels to relax and helping the heart beat more steadily.

Your doctor will determine the best medication or combination for you. Sometimes a combination of two or more drugs is necessary to control hypertension – this is normal and allows lower doses of each medication for fewer side effects. Rest assured, our team will explain how and when to take your medicines and will closely monitor your progress. We’ll schedule follow-ups to check that the medication is working well and that you’re not experiencing significant side effects. If you do have any issues, we can adjust your treatment promptly. The goal is to manage your blood pressure effectively with the minimum medication needed, so you feel your best.

Follow-Up Care and Ongoing Monitoring

Managing hypertension requires ongoing care. Here’s what to expect with HealthHub:

Frequent Initial Check-ups: We may ask you to return for follow-up visits within a few weeks after starting treatment. During these visits, we will review your blood pressure, home logs, and adjust medication if needed. These sessions also provide an opportunity for us to answer any questions and reinforce lifestyle advice.
Routine Maintenance Visits: Once your blood pressure is stable, check-ups may be scheduled every 3 to 6 months. We’ll evaluate your condition, repeat tests if necessary, and ensure your treatment plan remains effective. Annual tests may be conducted to monitor overall health.
Home Monitoring: Regular home blood pressure checks are encouraged. These readings help guide your treatment plan. Contact us if you notice any unusual changes.
Staying Connected: Use the HealthHub mobile app or patient portal to book appointments, receive reminders, and stay in touch with our team. We’re here to support you in managing your hypertension and improving your quality of life.

Why Choose HealthHub Clinics for Hypertension Treatment?

Extensive Experience
Advanced Facilities
Affordable premium services
Trusted Al-Futtaim brand

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are the symptoms of hypertension?

High blood pressure usually has no symptoms at all. You can feel perfectly normal even when your blood pressure is high. Only in rare cases, when blood pressure is extremely high, might you experience symptoms like severe headaches, dizziness, or nosebleeds – and even these are not specific. Because hypertension is often silent, it’s important to get your blood pressure checked regularly rather than waiting for symptoms.

Are blood pressure medications safe, and will I have side effects?

Yes – blood pressure medications are generally very safe and well-tolerated. Serious side effects are uncommon. You may have minor side effects with some medicines (for example, a mild cough from certain ACE inhibitors or slight fatigue with beta-blockers), but your doctor will choose the medication that best suits you and can adjust your treatment if any side effect becomes troublesome. The vast majority of patients take their hypertension medications without any problems, and the benefit (protecting your heart, brain, and kidneys from damage) far outweighs any potential side effect.

How often should I monitor my blood pressure?

Your doctor will give you specific guidance, but generally, you’ll check more frequently at the start of treatment and can do it less often once things are stable. In the beginning, we may ask you to measure your blood pressure daily or a few times a week (such as every morning and evening for two weeks) to track how your numbers are improving. Once your blood pressure is under good control, checking it at home 2–3 times per weekis usually enough. We will also measure it at every clinic visit. Remember to follow proper technique at home (sit calmly for a few minutes, use a correct cuff, etc.) so your readings are accurate. If you ever get an unusually high reading or feel unwell, you can always call us for advice.

Will I have to take hypertension medication for the rest of my life?

Not necessarily. Some can lower blood pressure through lifestyle changes and might reduce or stop medications with a doctor’s supervision. Many need long-term medication, especially with high blood pressure or genetic factors. Hypertension is chronic, so treatment keeps it controlled, not cured. Your HealthHub doctor will aim for the lowest effective dose and reassess your need for drugs. If your blood pressure stays normal for a long period, medication might be reduced under medical guidance. Never stop or change medication on your own; always consult your doctor.