Treating high blood pressure

Finding causes, reducing risks

Is your blood pressure raised but the cause unclear? We help you find out – and decide on the right next step.

High blood pressure (arterial hypertension) is one of the most common causes of heart attack, stroke, heart failure and kidney disease.

For years it causes no symptoms – while silently damaging the heart, blood vessels and kidneys. The earlier the cause is found, the gentler the treatment can be.

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Who should have high blood pressure assessed?

Anyone who wants to understand why their readings are high and have their cardiovascular risk assessed.

An appointment is particularly useful if:

  • your blood pressure readings are repeatedly elevated
  • readings fluctuate widely or only rise in certain situations
  • you are already taking medication, but your readings remain unstable
  • you experience side effects or are unsure about your treatment

A structured assessment helps to identify risks early.
 

Book an appointment for a blood pressure assessment in Munich


Finding the cause, not just lowering the numbers

Many patients are given blood pressure medication early on without the cause of their high readings being properly investigated.

Our approach is different: first, we find out why your blood pressure is raised.  
The most common causes include:

  • metabolism (visceral abdominal fat)
  • hormones (thyroid disease, menopause)
  • stress and the nervous system 
  • sleep (sleep apnoea, disturbed sleep-wake rhythm)
     

Only once the cause is clear do we decide whether – and how – to treat. 

What this means for you:

  • more targeted treatment, if treatment is needed
  • more stable blood pressure in the long term

Knowing the cause allows more targeted treatment – and lowers cardiovascular risk.


Precise diagnostics for high blood pressure

Precise diagnostics allow us to assess both your blood pressure and your overall cardiovascular risk.

Depending on the situation, the following may be useful:

Detected early, many consequences of high blood pressure can be halted or even reversed.
 

Book an appointment for a blood pressure assessment in Munich

We are here for you

Cardiology expertise in Munich

Dr. Vera Schneider

Dr. Vera Schneider

Fachärztin für Innere Medizin
und Kardiologie

Mein Ziel ist, dass Sie sich medizinisch bestens betreut und persönlich gut aufgehoben fühlen - mit einem freundlichen Team, einer angenehmen Praxisatmosphäre und dem Gefühl, dass Ihr Anliegen ernst genommen wird.

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Prof. Dr. Jakob Ledwoch

Prof. Dr. Jakob Ledwoch

Facharzt für Innere Medizin
und Kardiologie

Moderne Medizin bedeutet für mich nicht nur, technisch auf dem neuesten Stand zu sein. Dazu gehört auch, mir Zeit zu nehmen, zuzuhören, alles verständlich zu erklären und gemeinsam die richtigen Entscheidungen für Ihre Gesundheit zu treffen.

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Quality you can trust.

Recognised certifications and partnerships with leading medical institutions reflect our commitment to the highest standards.

Technische Universität München
Universität Zürich
Deutsche Gesellschaft für Kardiologie e. V.
Bundesverband Niedergelassener Kardiologen
Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München
Deutsche Herzstiftung
European Society of Cardiology

We show you what you can do yourself to lower your blood pressure.

Lifestyle changes are not an optional extra – they are the foundation of successful blood pressure treatment. Used correctly, they can make medication unnecessary or reduce the dose needed. Blood pressure above 130/80 mmHg is considered elevated. From this point on, it makes sense to take action.

A Mediterranean-style diet is particularly effective.

A Mediterranean-style diet is particularly effective.

Studies show average reductions of around 5 mmHg. Cutting salt matters – but so does:

  • a high proportion of vegetables, fruit, pulses and wholegrain products
  • regular fish and high-quality plant fats
  • sufficient intake of potassium, magnesium and fibre
  • reducing highly processed foods, sugar and alcohol

We also take individual factors into account, such as insulin resistance, body composition and personal eating habits.

Excess weight, especially visceral abdominal fat, is closely linked to high blood pressure.

Even moderate weight loss can measurably lower blood pressure:

  • approx. 1 mmHg systolic per kg of weight lost

What matters is not just weight but body composition. Bioimpedance analysis (InBody) measures fat and muscle separately, so we can develop targeted strategies to reduce harmful fat while preserving muscle.

The right training lowers blood pressure effectively – provided intensity and structure are right.

Regular exercise lowers blood pressure by an average of 5–7 mmHg. A combination of endurance and strength training is particularly effective. What matters, however, is:

  • the right intensity
  • fitting it realistically into everyday life (several short sessions)
  • taking existing conditions into account

Rather than generic advice, we rely on individually guided training. Exercise testing helps us find your optimal intensity and build up training safely.

Chronic stress and poor sleep affect the nervous system and can raise blood pressure permanently.

Key factors include:

  • ongoing stress
  • too little recovery time
  • lack of sleep or sleep apnoea

Sleep analysis and targeted stress reduction can have a positive effect on blood pressure – which is why they are an integral part of our approach.

Medication for high blood pressure – tailored and guideline-based.

If lifestyle changes alone are not enough, or your cardiovascular risk is already raised, medication may be advisable. Our approach is clear: as little as possible, as much as necessary.

The aim is not just to lower the numbers, but to protect the heart, blood vessels, brain and kidneys in the long term.

Medication is used in particular:

  • if blood pressure remains elevated despite lifestyle measures
  • if organ changes are already present (e.g. heart, kidneys, blood vessels)
  • if the overall cardiovascular risk is high

In many cases, a combination of several medications at low doses is more effective and better tolerated than a single medication at a high dose.

Our aim is always stable blood pressure with as few side effects as possible. The right strategy depends on many factors – including age, other conditions, organ involvement and personal preference.

We choose medication carefully – tailored, effective and well tolerated.

  • ACE inhibitors and AT1 blockers (sartans) 
    They lower blood pressure by widening the blood vessels and also protect the heart and kidneys. 
  • Calcium channel blockers
    These relax the muscles in the vessel walls and are particularly suitable for isolated systolic hypertension.
  • Beta blockers
    They lower the heart rate and reduce the effect of stress hormones.
  • Mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists
    They are used for treatment-resistant hypertension and target the hormonal mechanisms that regulate blood pressure.
     

“Well-adjusted blood pressure treatment can reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke by 20–30%.”

Prof. Dr. Jakob Ledwoch

Frequently asked questions about assessing high blood pressure at the Cardiology Centre Munich-Pasing

Yes. Even isolated high readings should be followed up. High blood pressure is often discovered by chance and can otherwise go undetected for years. A structured assessment helps prevent long-term damage.

Yes. Besides genetic factors, hormonal disorders, kidney disease, sleep apnoea or the menopause can all play a role – and these causes can be specifically diagnosed.

In many cases, yes. Diet, exercise, weight loss and stress management are central to any treatment – especially in milder hypertension.

In women, hormonal changes, thyroid disease and autoimmune conditions play a role more often – a key focus of our women’s cardiology. In men, sleep apnoea and kidney-related causes are more common.