Hypertension has now become a very common disease in our country. According to statistics from 2017, the number of people with hypertension in our country has exceeded 270 million. The disability and mortality rates of complications such as stroke, heart failure, and coronary heart disease caused by hypertension are very high.
Many people think that high blood pressure is just a little high, and it won’t have such a big impact on the body. In fact, elevated blood pressure can really affect you from head to toe. Firstly, elevated blood pressure directly harms blood vessels, causing them to thicken and harden.
Elevated blood pressure can also lead to myocardial hypertrophy, damage to the brain, and an increased risk of cerebral hemorrhage. It also affects the kidneys; if high blood pressure persists for 10 to 15 years, it can lead to a decline in kidney function. Furthermore, high blood pressure can cause a decrease in vision, and if severe, there is a risk of blindness. Therefore, we must not underestimate the harm of hypertension.
Blood pressure fluctuates rhythmically throughout the day
The blood pressure in the human body fluctuates throughout the day and does not remain constant. Normal blood pressure fluctuations also follow a certain pattern.
Generally, blood pressure is higher during the day and relatively lower at night. Therefore, in adults, there are two peaks and one trough in a day’s blood pressure. The period between 6 am and 10 am is usually the first peak of elevated blood pressure, and from 4 pm to 8 pm is the second peak of blood pressure elevation during the day. From midnight to 4 am, blood pressure drops to its lowest point of the day. This pattern is known as the “spoon-shaped” blood pressure pattern.
Elderly individuals generally experience a dip in blood pressure between 12 pm and 2 pm.
Controlling blood pressure involves not only managing the overall level throughout the day but also ensuring that blood pressure does not rise too high before peak times and does not drop too low at night.
There are various types of antihypertensive medications, and often people inquire about which one is the best. There are many things to consider when taking antihypertensive medications, and if blood pressure remains high, it may not be due to the wrong choice of medication but rather mismanagement of the timing of administration!
How to manage the timing of antihypertensive medication usage?
Considerations for using intermediate-acting antihypertensive medications
The characteristic of intermediate-acting antihypertensive medications is that they work quickly but also lose their effect rapidly, so they are usually taken two to three times a day.
If taking the medication twice a day, it is generally recommended to take the first dose at 7 am and the second dose at 3 pm.
If taking the medication thrice a day, then the times can be as follows: the first dose between 6 am and 7 am, the second dose between 1 pm and 2 pm, and the third dose between 5 pm and 6 pm to maximize the effectiveness of the medication before the blood pressure peaks.
If using medications like nifedipine, verapamil, and diltiazem, you can refer to the above-mentioned timings for administration.
Considerations for using long-acting antihypertensive medications and extended-release formulations
Long-acting antihypertensive medications provide a sustained 24-hour reduction in blood pressure, so they are generally taken once a day. It is advisable to take them between 6 am and 7 am after waking up.
Some people may find that their blood pressure is still high before sleep even after taking the medication in the morning. In such cases, under the guidance of a specialist, the timing of medication intake can be adjusted to between 8 pm and 9 pm before bedtime.
Since the effects of these antihypertensive medications usually appear gradually, patients taking these medications should not rush to change medications if the initial reduction in blood pressure is not significant.
These medications include amlodipine, losartan, etc., and patients using these medications should be advised on their long-acting nature.
Other medication methods
Some hypertensive patients, in order to better control blood pressure, may take multiple antihypertensive medications. In such cases, to better control blood pressure and avoid missed or incorrect doses, it is recommended to consult a specialist for specific medication methods and timings. It may include taking one kind in the morning and another before bedtime.
Therefore, remember to ask the doctor about how to properly use multiple antihypertensive medications if you have to take two or more types of antihypertensive medications.
In addition to medication, proper lifestyle, diet, moderate exercise, and maintaining a healthy weight are crucial in controlling hypertension from various aspects.
