Cardiology Conference-CVC 2026

High blood pressure (hypertension) is a top risk factor for cardiovascular disease, stroke, kidney disease, and heart failure. Appropriate control of blood pressure is essential to decrease morbidity and mortality, and to support general cardiovascular health.

There are several important mechanisms to control hypertension:

1. Lifestyle interventions:

Diet: Follow a heart-healthy diet, such as the DASH or Mediterranean, which includes plenty of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, little sodium, and saturated fats.

Exercise: Regular aerobic exercise can promote a reduction in blood pressure and physical cardiovascular fitness.

Weight control: Keeping a healthy weight reduces the burden on the heart and vascular system.

Stress management and sleep: Adequate sleep and other stress management strategies reduce blood pressure variability.

Avoidance of tobacco and excess alcohol: Both will elevate blood pressure and damage the vessels.

2. Pharmacologic treatment:

Antihypertensive medications that include ACE inhibitors, ARBs, beta-blockers, calcium-channel blockers, and diuretics may be started based on the specific patient and comorbidities.

Combination therapy may be required in patients who have resistant and/or severe hypertension.

3. Monitoring and follow-up

Patients should have regular blood pressure measurements at home or at clinic visits to determine if they are achieving an appropriate response to treatment and to modify therapy.

Effective hypertension control will decrease risk for heart attack, stroke, kidney disease, and heart failure.""