Can High Blood Pressure (Hypertension) Be Cured or Reversed?

High blood pressure, also called hypertension, is common in the U.S. Nearly half of all adults have it. If you’re one of the 120 million people diagnosed with hypertension, you may wonder if there’s something you can do to reverse it. 

In almost all cases, high blood pressure can be lowered to normal levels. Some people need medication. But others may be able to reverse it depending on what’s causing their high blood pressure.

Can hypertension be cured?

Possibly. Whether hypertension can be reversed or cured depends on what’s causing it. There are two main types of high blood pressure: 

1. Primary (or “essential”) hypertension: This is high blood pressure that isn’t caused by an underlying medical condition or medication. About 90% of people with high blood pressure have this type.

2. Secondary hypertension: This is high blood pressure that’s caused by another medical condition or by medication. It makes up about 10% of all hypertension cases.

If you have secondary hypertension, it may sometimes be cured by treating the underlying condition. Common causes of secondary hypertension are:

• Kidney problems

• Obstructive sleep apnea

• Problems with the adrenal glands 

• Coarctation (narrowing) of the aorta

• Thyroid or parathyroid gland problems

• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

For example, some people are cured after surgery to remove the parathyroid glands or to fix a narrowed aorta. In other cases, like with ongoing kidney problems, a person may still need to take medication to keep their blood pressure in a healthy range.

Can you reverse primary hypertension?

Primary hypertension can’t be completely reversed. But that doesn’t mean everyone with this kind of high blood pressure needs medication. Some people can keep their blood pressure within a healthy range with lifestyle changes. But that requires that they stick with those habits long term.

People with mild to moderate high blood pressure are more likely to see results from lifestyle changes alone. This applies mostly to the first two levels of high blood pressure listed below. These levels depend on both systolic blood pressure (the top number) and diastolic pressure (the bottom number):

• Prehypertension (slightly elevated): a systolic blood pressure of 120 mmHg to 129 mmHg, and a diastolic blood pressure of 79 mmHg or lower 

• Stage 1 hypertension (moderately high): a systolic blood pressure of 130 to 139, and a diastolic blood pressure of 80 to 89

• Stage 2 hypertension (high): a systolic blood pressure of 140 or higher and a diastolic blood pressure of 90 or higher

• Severe high blood pressure: a systolic blood pressure of 180 or higher and a diastolic blood pressure of 110 or higher

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People with very high blood pressure often need both lifestyle modifications and medication. Anyone with severe high blood pressure needs immediate medical treatment.

If you take medication for high blood pressure, it doesn’t mean you’ll need to take it forever. One systematic review found that people who only needed one blood pressure medication had the best chance of keeping their blood pressure normal after stopping it. Approximately 1 out of 4 people taking a single medication were able to stop and still maintain a healthy blood pressure for 2 years. 

What are natural ways to lower your blood pressure?

If you want to avoid taking medication for your blood pressure, there are natural ways to lower it. These changes usually take a few months of steady effort before your blood pressure improves enough that medication may not be needed.

Keep in mind that not all cases of high blood pressure can be treated with natural methods alone. Experts suggest that it’s probably best to start medication if lifestyle changes don’t help improve high blood pressure within 6 months. Talk with your healthcare team about incorporating some of the changes below and when to re-evaluate your need for medication.

1. Limit alcohol

Drinking alcohol on a regular basis can increase your risk of high blood pressure over the long term. Even occasional episodes of binge drinking can spike your blood pressure. The American Heart Association recommends no more than 2 alcoholic drinks per day for men and 1 drink per day for women.

2. Find a healthy weight for you

There’s a link between higher body mass index (BMI) and high blood pressure. This doesn’t necessarily mean you need to lose weight or that your weight is the cause of high blood pressure. But if weight loss is one of your goals, losing even a few pounds might make a difference in your blood pressure levels.

3. Eat fruits and vegetables

Research suggests that blueberries, avocados, grapes, broccoli, and carrots are particularly good at lowering blood pressure. Some beverages, like beet juice, may also be helpful.

4. Incorporate movement into your daily routine 

Even if you don’t reach the recommended 150 minutes of exercise per week, regular physical activity may improve your high blood pressure. Both aerobic exercise and strength training can help. Some of the best exercises to lower blood pressure include:

• Walking

• Biking

• Dancing

• Swimming

• Isometric exercises, like wall sits and planks

5. Prioritize sleep 

A lack of sleep can lead to inflammation and hormonal changes that can contribute to high blood pressure. Make changes to your daily sleep habits and aim for at least 7 hours of sleep each night. If you struggle with insomnia, you might be surprised to learn that cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) is the first recommended treatment.

6. Limit sodium 

Eating too much sodium (salt) can raise blood pressure. A diet low in sodium and high in potassium can help lower your blood pressure. 

7. Nix the nicotine 

Quitting smoking may not lower your blood pressure as much as other lifestyle changes, but it’s still recommended. Smoking makes your blood vessels stiffer, making your risk of heart problems and stroke much higher. 

8. Reach out to a friend 

Feelings of loneliness and disconnection have been linked to high blood pressure. Finding human connection and companionship can help. This could be as simple as sending a text or making a phone call. If one-on-one interactions feel intimidating, try going to a local event or volunteering. Just being around others can make a big difference.

9. Lower your stress levels 

Both short-term and long-term stress at work or home can also raise your blood pressure. Start easy with simple breathing exercises for a few minutes each day or when you’re feeling stressed.

10. Consider supplements with caution

Supplements aren’t a replacement for medication. And it’s important to check with your healthcare team before you start one. Some can cause side effects or medication interactions. But if you’re interested in adding them to diet and lifestyle changes, certain supplements may help lower blood pressure. 

Research indicates that these supplements might be helpful:

• Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)

• Fish oil

• Vitamin C

• Garlic

• Magnesium

• Potassium

What medications can raise your blood pressure?

In addition to making some of the changes above, it may also help to review your daily medications if you have high blood pressure. Some medications can raise your blood pressure, and this is often overlooked. Even over-the-counter (OTC) medications can be the cause. 

Frequent contributors to high blood pressure include:

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen and indomethacin

• Decongestants, such as pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine

• Stimulants, such as methylphenidate and amphetamine / dextroamphetamine

• Some birth control pills

• Steroids, such as prednisone and prednisolone

If you take one of these medications and notice your blood pressure is higher than usual, talk with a healthcare professional to see if a different treatment might be a better option. 

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Written by:

Nicole Rowe, MD

Dr. Nicole Rowe, MD, is a telehealth family practice physician. She received her medical degree from the University of North Carolina School of Medicine and completed her residency in family medicine at University of Colorado’s Swedish Medical Center.

Edited by:

Katie E. Golden, MD

Katie E. Golden, MD, is a board-certified emergency medicine physician and a medical editor at GoodRx.

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