Blood Pressure Pills?

Many people come in for their regular check up, and I find their blood pressure is high.  The recommendation is to aim for a resting blood pressure of less than 130/80. 

So what is the next step?

If a person’s blood pressure isn’t too high sometimes they can avoid medicine.   So your doctor may decide you are a candidate for lifestyle changes. 

You’ve probably heard the drill:

1. Cut out the salt

2. Start exercising every day

3. Eat more fruit and vegetables.

4. Eat low fat dairy products

5. Try to get 8 hours of sleep each night

6. Manage the stress in your life.

So now you’ve started all these things.  How long do you wait before you have to think about taking medicine?  Usually three to four months.  However it may be that you begin to make real progress at four or five months. At your next visit to your doctor or other health care provider may feel that you are making enough progress that you might make the goal with just a little more time.  It may be you have other health problems that mean you really can’t wait; you’ll need to start medicine.  However if you have no other health problems you have more time that other people. Check your blood pressure, write down the numbers then make a plan for the week.  Write your plan down. Decide what days you will exercise.  Put the salt shaker away. Plan on a bedtime. Plan on the vegetables, fruit and low fat dairy products you will eat for the week. Then make your shopping list.   When you meet your goals check off those tasks as “done”.

So after really doing these things for a few weeks, it becomes second nature.   Even if your blood pressure isn’t perfect, all these things will help you minimize your medication if you still need it.  Blood pressure medicine is an important part of keeping you healthy.   A good blood pressure helps you avoid strokes, heart disease and kidney problems.  There are many kinds of blood pressure pills; choosing one that is right for you is an important part of your next office visit with your doctor or other healthcare provider.