Discovering high blood pressure (hypertension)
Q. Can I get rid of my high blood pressure?
A. If you have high blood pressure that is being caused by another health problem (secondary hypertension), it might be possible get rid of your high blood pressure. By successfully treating the underlying cause of your problems, your blood pressure may then return to normal. For more about the 10 per cent of people with high blood pressure who have secondary hypertension, see Why have I got high blood pressure?
If, on the other hand, you are in the 90 per cent of people with high blood pressure that is not being caused by another health problem, the answer is "no". Unfortunately people with this type of high blood pressure (essential hypertension) cannot be cured. Because there is no underlying cause for the high blood pressure, there is nothing that can be fixed to resolve it. For more on essential hypertension, see Why have I got high blood pressure?
However, there are still things that can be done for people with essential hypertension. The most effective ways to lower your blood pressure are to make lifestyle changes and take any medicines your doctor gives you (for more see Treatments for high blood pressure).
