Tips for Taking Medicine for High Blood Pressure

Tips for Taking Medicine for High Blood Pressure

If you have high blood pressure, making lifestyle changes may not be enough to lower your blood pressure. You may need to take medicine as well.

Blood pressure is the force exerted by circulating blood against the walls of the body’s arteries, the major blood vessels in the body. Hypertension is when blood pressure is too high.

Blood pressure is written as two numbers. The first (systolic) number represents the pressure in blood vessels when the heart contracts or beats. The second (diastolic) number represents the pressure in the vessels when the heart rests between beats.

Hypertension is diagnosed if, when it is measured on two different days, the systolic blood pressure readings on both days is ≥140 mmHg and/or the diastolic blood pressure readings on both days is ≥90 mmHg.

WHO Key facts on Hypertension.

Hypertension – or elevated blood pressure – is a serious medical condition that significantly increases the risks of heart, brain, kidney and other diseases.
An estimated 1.13 billion people worldwide have hypertension, most (two-thirds) living in low- and middle-income countries.
In 2015, 1 in 4 men and 1 in 5 women had hypertension.
Fewer than 1 in 5 people with hypertension have the problem under control.
Hypertension is a major cause of premature death worldwide.
One of the global targets for noncommunicable diseases is to reduce the prevalence of hypertension by 25% by 2025 (baseline 2010).

Follow these tips to stay informed and organized about taking your medicines

Take your medicine the way your doctor tells you.
Tell the doctor the names of all other medicines, home remedies, herbs, or supplements you take. Bring everything with you when you have a doctor’s appointment.
Tell the doctor right away if the medicine makes you feel strange or sick. Ask the doctor about changing the dosage or switching to another type of medicine.
Refill your presciption before you run out of medicine.
Check and record your blood pressure often to see if the medicine is working for you.
Don’t stop taking your medicine if your blood pressure is normal. That means the medicine is working.
Do not share medicines with friends or family.
If you cannot afford your medicine, let your doctor know. There may be programs to help you buy your medicine.
Use notes and other reminders to take your medicine. Ask your family to help you with reminder phone calls or text messages.

Medicines for High Blood Pressure

There are many medicines available to control your high blood pressure. Many people need to take more than one kind of blood pressure medicine. Use this tip sheet to learn about common types. Also talk to your doctor to learn more about the medicines you take and your high blood pressure treatment plan.

Some Facts About Blood Pressure Medicine

Some medicines can cause side effects or reactions. If this happens, talk to your doctor about ways to control them or not have as many of them.
Eating more vegetables and fruits, cutting back on salt and sodium, losing weight, and being physically active may reduce your medication dosage.