Uncontrollable high blood pressure, also known as resistant hypertension, occurs when a person is taking three or more blood pressure medications, including a diuretic, and still is unable to control their blood pressure. This type of high blood pressure may have an underlying cause and treatment may need to be more aggressive. What causes uncontrollable high blood pressure and how can it be treated?
Common Causes of Uncontrollable High Blood Pressure
Uncontrollable high blood pressure can be caused by many different reasons. If the person is taking medications for other conditions, these may be conflicting with the blood pressure medications. Cold medications, birth control pills, drinking alcohol or taking illegal drugs can also raise blood pressure. Even some foods, such as grapefruit, or certain vitamin or herbal supplements may cause blood pressure medication to not work effectively. Be sure to give the doctor a list of all medications and supplements to see if these are interfering with the blood pressure medicine.
Another reason blood pressure medication may not be working effectively could be because it is not being taken properly. Missed doses, skipping days of medication or stopping medication off and on because it is too expensive makes the medication ineffective. Try to take the medication on a regular schedule to ensure it is working to its full potential. If medication is too expensive, talk to the doctor about generic brands or a less expensive medication.
Medical Reasons for Uncontrollable High Blood Pressure
Uncontrollable high blood pressure could be a sign of a more serious disease. Kidney disease, tumors of the adrenal gland or some congenital heart defects may be causing the high blood pressure despite the medications. If blood pressure cannot be controlled by a combination of medications, ask the doctor about testing for other conditions that may be causing it.
Another problem could be the level of the hormone aldosterone in the body. Aldosterone controls how the body absorbs sodium and eliminates potassium. If the level of aldosterone is too high, it may be causing blood pressure to stay high. If this is the problem, the doctor can prescribe a nonthiazide diuretic drug which blocks this hormone so blood pressure can go down.
Manage Lifestyle for a Healthier Blood Pressure
Taking pills to lower blood pressure may not be effective if the person continues to eat an unhealthy diet, doesn’t maintain a healthy weight or continues unhealthy habits. In order to increase the effectiveness of the blood pressure medications it is important to:
- Eat a diet of fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains and low-fat dairy products.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Exercise at least 30 minutes, four days a week.
- Limit salt intake including sodium found in many canned and prepackaged foods.
- Limit alcohol consumption.
- Manage stress.
- Stop smoking.
Ask the Doctor about Seeing a Hypertension Specialist
If blood pressure continues to be high, it may be time to ask the doctor for a referral to see a hypertension specialist. A hypertension specialist may be able to find the proper combination of medications as well as the proper doses that will more effectively lower blood pressure.
Uncontrollable high blood pressure does not have to be that way forever. With the proper diagnosis and treatment, uncontrollable high blood pressure can finally get under control.
Sources:
MayoClinic.com “High Blood Pressure: Hypertension” Retrieved July 20, 2010.
American Heart Association “ Resistant Hypertension ” Retrieved July 20, 2010.
Deanna Lynn Sletten - Deanna Lynn Sletten has been a freelance writer for newspapers, regional magazines and websites for 20 years. She specializes in the ...
