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High Blood Pressure is a condition that can lead to coronary heart diseases, heart failure, stroke, kidney failure and other health problems. With little tell tale-signs or symptoms, it is easy to miss the diagnosis of hypertension. Some may only realise it when they suffer from complications like a stroke or heart attack. You can control high blood pressure through healthy lifestyle habits and taken medicine if needed. Read on and find out more.
1. Why do I take this high blood pressure medicine and my friend takes another type?
There are different classes of high blood pressure medicine available, each class with its advantages and disadvantages. They act in different ways to lower your blood pressure.
Your doctor will choose the class of blood pressure medicine that is most suitable for you, taking into consideration your age and medical history.
2. Why do I have to take two medicines instead of just one, if they both work to decrease my blood pressure?
When your blood pressure is not well controlled with one medicine, your doctor may add on another blood pressure medicine instead of increasing the dose of your current medicine. This is to reduce the risk of side effects with an increased dose of medicine.
3. What foods should I avoid if I have high blood pressure?
Fatty Foods
- Foods high in saturated fats like margarine, vegetable oils, butter, lard, whole milk, sausages and fried foods.
- Saturated fats are not good for the heart and blood vessels. They would cause the hardening of blood vessels, causing more stress for the heart in patients with high blood pressure.
Alcohol
- Too much alcohol can increase your blood pressure by causing major damage to the blood vessel.
- If you drink, limit your alcohol to no more than two drinks per day for men and no more than one drinkg per day for women.
Salty Foods
- Food high in salt content like pizza, canned foods and sauces can increase blood pressure.
- High salt intake would cause more water retention in your body, which increases blood pressure.
4. I don’t experience any symptoms of high blood pressure. Do I still need to take my high blood pressure medicine?
Patients with high blood pressure may not have any symptoms, unlike having a headache or backpain. To know if your blood pressure is high, you need to measure your blood pressure with a blood pressure monitoring meter.
Even if the measurements show that your blood pressure is in the normal range, it could be due to your blood pressure medicines. The best way to consider the option of stopping your medicine is to check with your doctor. Do not stop the medicines on your own.
5. If I start on high blood pressure medicine, do I have to take it for life?
It depends on your condition and blood pressure control. Some patients may need to take it for life while some may stop the medicine after taking it for a period of time. Please do discuss with your doctor if you have any concerns regarding your high blood pressure medicine.
6. I missed my dose of high blood pressure medicine yesterday, is it ok?
If you miss a dose, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only the usual dose. Do not double your dose or use extra medicine to make up for the missed dose. It would be good to set a reminder or alarm to take your medicine so that you would not miss it.
8. Can I eat take my high blood pressure medicine at night?
High blood pressure medicine may be taken either in the day or night depending on your condition. Please check with your doctor or pharmacist and follow the prescribed dosing of your medicine. Measuring your blood pressure at home and keeping a record of the measurements is a good way to take part in managing your own health.
