Treat Your Blood Pressure
For most people, a complete blood pressure control plan includes taking at least one blood pressure medicine.
Treatment Is Part of Your Plan
If a health care professional recommends taking medicine for your high blood pressure, you’re not alone. Healthy steps like eating well and staying physically active are important, and they can make a big difference in your health. But the fact is that most people with hypertension also need to take at least one medicine to get their numbers into a healthy range — lower than 130 over 80 — and keep them there consistently. Taking medicine doesn’t mean you failed. It means you’re doing everything you can to protect your health.
Medicine Can Work with Your Life
Starting blood pressure medicine is a big step — and you might wonder about costs, side effects, and more. Remember that medicine isn’t one-size-fits all. There are many safe, effective options that you can try.
Talk to a health care professional about your goals, your lifestyle, and your concerns about medicine. They’re the experts in blood pressure control, but you’re the expert in your life! Together, you can weigh the benefits of each kind of blood pressure medicine and choose the best option for you.
Different blood pressure medicines work differently to address the effects of high blood pressure and prevent further damage in your body.
Keeping Up with Treatment
Taking your blood pressure medicine as prescribed is one of the most important steps you can take to reach and stay in control. Medicines work best when you take them consistently, even when you feel fine. If you skip a dose or stop taking your medicine, your blood pressure might go up again.
When life gets busy, it’s easy to forget or skip a dose of blood pressure medicine. But there are simple things you can do to stay on track, like:
- Taking your medicine at the same time every day
- Setting a reminder on your phone
- Leaving a note in a place where you’ll see it every day (on your bathroom mirror or refrigerator, for example)
- Setting up automatic refills at your pharmacy so you won’t run out of medicine
If you’re dealing with side effects, cost concerns, or feel your treatment isn’t working, talk with a health care professional. You don’t have to figure it out alone. Pharmacists, nurses, and others on your care team can answer questions, review medicines, and help adjust your plan so it stays manageable and protects your health.
Treatment Can Change Over Time
Blood pressure control is a lifelong journey. Your blood pressure may change for many different reasons — and your treatment can change along with it.
For example, you might notice that your blood pressure goes up when you’re sick or going through a stressful time. Your blood pressure may start to go up as you age, too. If your blood pressure is going up, a health care professional may recommend more medicine or different medicines. Your professional may also recommend changes to your treatment when you reach control.
What You Need to Know About…
Side Effects
Costs
Prep for Your Next Appointment
Check out these resources to help you get ready for your next conversation with a health care professional:
Get started on your plan and think through your next steps
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