Living with high blood pressure
High blood pressure tends to be a life-long condition, so treatment needs to last for life too. By following medical advice and making the right lifestyle changes, high blood pressure can be effectively controlled. Once you start a treatment program, taking control of your blood pressure will become easier. By reaching and maintaining your blood pressure goal you’ll lower your risk of serious diseases such as stroke, heart attack, heart failure, and kidney disease.
If you have high blood pressure, you and your doctor or nurse need to work together to reduce it. Ask your doctor or nurse what your blood pressure is now and what it should be (your blood pressure goal). You should have your blood pressure checked regularly as this is the only way to know if your treatment plan is working. Take prescribed medications as directed by your doctor, and tell him/her about any side effects. Finally, follow your doctor’s advice about lifestyle changes, such as a healthy eating and exercise plan.
