If you're like most people with high blood pressure, drugs are a major part of your plan to lower your blood pressure. Your doctor's goal is to find the right combination of
high blood pressure medicines that accomplishes these goals: How can you work with your doctor to make sure your
high blood pressure medicine is meeting these goals? Perhaps these 10 tips can help. Your doctor has many high
blood pressure medications to choose from. They work in different ways to lower your blood pressure. Each type of drug has its own possible side effects, so it's a good idea to know exactly which high blood pressure medicines you take. Ask your doctor or pharmacist these questions: Make a list of your high blood pressure drugs, and make a few copies of the list. Take the list with you whenever you visit a health care professional. Give copies to any
family members or friends who help with your health care. Each type of high blood pressure drug has possible side effects. Some side effects
may be temporary; some may be more lasting. Some side effects are bothersome; some may be potentially dangerous. Ask your doctor or pharmacist these questions about each of your medications: High blood pressure drugs work best if you take them as your doctor has prescribed them. So you need to take the right amount at the right times every day. Ask your doctor or pharmacist these questions: It's easier to take your high blood pressure drugs exactly as prescribed when you make it a part of your daily routine. Try some of these ideas to help you remember to take your medication:
Organize Your MedicationsIt can be frustrating to keep track of so many pills to take. Was that pink one supposed to be one or two? In the morning or twice a day? With or without food? You can reduce some of this confusion by organizing your medicine for a day or even for an entire week.
High blood pressure drugs need to be taken on schedule. So don't let your supply run out! This can be tricky, especially if you
use multiple drugs and different pharmacies. See if any of these suggestions might help: When it comes to treating high blood pressure, it's likely that
you and your doctor have talked about steps in addition to taking medication. These steps can help make your medicine work even better to control blood pressure. Here are some of the other steps that might be part of your plan:
For each of these steps, your doctor can give you more information and get you started. Or your doctor may refer you to other health professionals who can help. Some health centers even offer free or inexpensive classes in these areas. One of the best ways to see if your high blood pressure drugs are working is to check your blood pressure. Your
doctor may want you to come into the office for checks. Or you may be asked to check your blood pressure at home. Your doctor doesn't know everything about your life and your activities. But the more your doctor knows about you, the better they can help. Make sure your doctor knows about these things:
Other factors in your life that could contribute to high blood pressure, such as difficult family issues, a high-stress job, or a sedentary lifestyle The "Shoulds" of Properly Taking Your High Blood Pressure DrugsWhy is it so important to take your high blood pressure drugs properly? It's not just to make your doctor happy or to make your life more complicated. Taking high blood pressure medicine properly provides you the best results, lowering your blood pressure to a healthier level. You should take high blood pressure medicine properly because:
The good news is that taking high blood pressure medicine properly helps ensure better health for yourself now and in the future. How long after medication does blood pressure take to lower?Many people can reduce their high blood pressure, also known as hypertension, in as little as 3 days to 3 weeks.
What is the fastest medication to lower blood pressure?Nifedipine and captopril are the two agents with the most rapid onset, within 0.5-1 hour, and may treat hypertensive emergencies as well as urgencies. Clonidine and labetalol have maximal blood pressure lowering effects at 2-4 hours.
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