What You Should Know About High Blood Pressure and Medications
Is medication a part of your high blood pressure treatment?
When blood pressure is high, high blood pressure medication is an important part of your treatment. Your health care professional will also likely recommend lifestyle changes along with your medication. You may even need more than one type of prescription medication to keep your blood pressure at a healthy level.
General guidelines for taking high blood pressure medications
Although taking medication for your high blood pressure may require some adjustments, your health care professional has your best interest in mind.
- Follow these recommendations carefully, even if it means taking medication every day for the rest of your life.
- Partnering with your health care professional is the best way to reach your treatment goals and enjoy the benefits of better health.
- Naturopathic approaches are not considered a substitute for medications that have been carefully studied and monitored for prescription use. Natural treatments may also not work as advertised and/or interfere with other medications.
- Be aware of how certain over-the-counter (OTC) medications, like decongestants, may react with your medications or affect your blood pressure.
- Discuss any supplements or treatments that you are considering with your health care team.
High blood pressure is a lifelong condition.
How long will you have to take your medication? Perhaps for the rest of your life. Managing blood pressure is a lifelong commitment. Do your part starting today for yourself and for those you love. Listen to your health care professional, read the sound medical information on this site and act on the information to live a heart-healthy life.
- Download a printable medicine tracker (PDF) and blood pressure tracker (PDF).
