New treatments for high blood pressure focus on resistant cases, with exciting developments like renal denervation (RDN) using ultrasound/radiofrequency to calm overactive kidney nerves, and new drugs like baxdrostat (aldosterone inhibitor) and novel combinations (e.g., GMRx2) providing better 24/7 control, alongside targeted therapies like Triple T (Targeted Thermal Therapy) for specific hormonal causes, offering hope beyond standard medications.
There is no cure for high blood pressure. But treatment can lower blood pressure that is too high. If it is mild, high blood pressure may sometimes be brought under control by making changes to a healthier lifestyle.
5 of the worst blood pressure medications
First-line therapies include intravenous labetalol or hydralazine and oral immediate-release nifedipine (in the absence of intravenous access; Table 1). Intravenous nitroglycerin can also be used in the treatment of severe pregnancy-induced hypertension complicated by pulmonary edema.
10 November 2025
The treatment, baxdrostat, works by reducing levels of aldosterone, a hormone that can drive high blood pressure in some people. The findings build on results from a related study from the same team, published earlier this year in the New England Journal of Medicine.
They face a much higher risk of heart attack, stroke, kidney disease and early death. Now a blockbuster new drug – baxdrostat – has been shown in trials to significantly lower blood pressure in those people whose levels remain dangerously high despite taking several medicines.
It's important to remember that high blood pressure is not usually a death sentence. As long as you're regularly working with your doctor on treatment and managing your blood pressure levels, you will likely live a long life. This includes making significant changes to your health and lifestyle for the better.
Complications of Gestational Hypertension
The higher the blood pressure numbers, the greater the risk. Pregnant women with high blood pressure are at risk of preterm birth and having babies who are smaller than normal. They are also more likely to have a cesarean birth.
Some examples of aerobic exercise that can help lower blood pressure include walking, jogging, cycling, swimming and dancing. Another helpful type of exercise is high-intensity interval training. This type of training involves mixing short bursts of intense activity with bouts of lighter activity.
Common causes of high blood pressure spikes
Key Takeaways
Both amlodipine and lisinopril are first-choice medications for lowering blood pressure. Amlodipine is often a good choice for older adults and people with salt-sensitive high blood pressure. Lisinopril may be better for people with diabetes, kidney disease, or heart issues.
Some drinks can help lower your blood pressure, including:
At the beginning, measure your blood pressure at least twice daily. Take it first in the morning before eating or taking any medicine. Take it again in the evening. Each time you measure, take two or three readings to make sure your results are the same.
While there is no cure for high blood pressure, it is important for patients to take steps that matter, such as making effective lifestyle changes and taking BP-lowering medications as prescribed by their physicians.
Supplemental vitamin C lowers blood pressure in individuals with normal and high blood pressure, while supplemental riboflavin may lower blood pressure in hypertensive individuals with a certain genetic predisposition.
A British Journal of Sports Medicine study suggests that two isometric exercises, planks and wall squats, may be highly effective in lowering blood pressure. Isometric exercises, also known as static exercises, are done without moving a joint. They're performed by keeping a static position and tension on the muscle.
A low vitamin D level seems to increase the risk of heart disease and death due to heart disease. Too little vitamin D level may make you more likely to have high blood pressure and diabetes.
Any exercise that is highly intense for a short amount of time, such as sprinting or weightlifting, should be avoided. These activities will quickly elevate your blood pressure, putting undue strain on your heart and blood vessels.
The percentage of people in the United States with high blood pressure creeps up with each decade of life. Among women ages 20 to 34, 13% have hypertension; nearly 86% have the condition by their mid-70s. Men see a similar trajectory over that same time, increasing from about 26% to 80%.
If your readings are still high, call your health care professional. If your blood pressure is higher than 180 and/or 120 mm Hg and you have any of these symptoms, call 911: chest pain, shortness of breath, back pain, numbness, weakness, change in vision or difficulty speaking.
Stage 1 hypertension.
The top number is between 130 and 139 mm-Hg or the bottom number is between 80 and 89 mm-Hg.
High blood pressure (hypertension) is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Severely high blood pressure, known as a hypertensive emergency, can be life-threatening. Low blood pressure (hypotension) can cause dizziness, fainting and fall-related injuries.
In other words, once blood pressure rises above normal, subtle but harmful brain changes can occur rather quickly—perhaps within a year or two.
The less you sleep, the higher your blood pressure may go. People who sleep six hours or less may have steeper increases in blood pressure. If you already have high blood pressure, not sleeping well may make your blood pressure worse.