Many options to treat high blood pressure
Even though there’s no cure for high blood pressure, there are many options to treat it.
For many people, healthy lifestyle changes, such as adding exercise to your routine or switching to a low-sodium diet, can help. For others, medication may also be necessary. To learn more about treatment options, watch this video.
Don’t just limit your exercise to a gym. Consider taking the stairs instead of an elevator, an afternoon walk with the dog, or gardening. These activities can help get your heart rate up and burn calories. Always talk to your doctor before starting any exercise routine or diet.
Find the right medication for you
Talking to your doctor about your high blood pressure is the first step. After you’ve worked together to come up with a blood pressure goal, your doctor may recommend a prescription medicine.
Not all medicines are right for everyone, so based on a variety of factors, including your age and other health conditions you may have, your doctor will determine which prescription medicines are right for you.
Antihypertensive medicines work in different ways
If you are diagnosed with high blood pressure, your doctor may prescribe an antihypertensive medicine to help lower your blood pressure, along with diet and exercise. There are many medicines available, and they work in different ways in your body.
Keep in mind that you may need more than one medicine. In fact, research suggests that up to 85% of people with high blood pressure need two or more medicines to help them lower their blood pressure. This is why your doctor may prescribe a combination of medicines as part of your treatment.
To help you understand the differences between medicines, we’ve described how they work inside the body.
