Over time, high blood pressure increases the risk of cardiovascular disease. Medication can lower blood pressure effectively. The higher the blood pressure, the greater the benefit. But the risk of long-term health consequences also depends on many other factors. Show
A decision to take medication for high blood pressure is a long-term decision. So it's worth considering the pros and cons of the various treatment options. If you would like to know about the advantages and disadvantages of different treatments, doctors are obliged to describe them to you – and everyone has the right to decide for themselves whether or not to take medication to lower their blood pressure (antihypertensive medicine). Slightly high blood pressure can often be reduced by losing weight, eating less salt and getting more exercise. If that isn't effective enough, treatment with antihypertensive medication is considered. Some people may opt for medication right away. What factors increase the risk of heart and circulation problems?Whether it is a good idea to treat high blood pressure with medication doesn't only depend on your blood pressure levels. Your individual risk of cardiovascular disease is higher if
Whether it is worth taking medication for high blood pressure will depend on the following:
What is my risk?Your individual risk of developing cardiovascular disease can be determined together with your doctor. You will need to consider the exact details of the individual risk factors, and determine your current blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar levels. This information is entered into a computer program that calculates your risk level. The calculation is based on data from studies that observed many thousands of people for years. You will get a percentage showing your likelihood of having a stroke or a heart attack within the next ten years. Example: Two men – two risk levelsImagine two men: John and Henry. Both of them are 60 years old, and both have slightly high blood pressure levels of 142/93 mmHg. John has
Henry, on the other hand,
This risk calculation shows that although the two men have the same blood pressure levels, their individual risk of cardiovascular disease is very different. How does your individual risk influence your use of medication?Blood pressure medicine can lower the ten-year risk of cardiovascular disease by 20 to 30% of the initial individual risk. For the men in our example, reducing their risks by 20% would mean the following:
This illustration shows the difference: What do John and Henry decide?Together with their doctors, John and Henry have each found out their risk of cardiovascular disease and talked about the next steps. John
Henry
John and Henry's cases show that deciding whether or not to use medication for blood pressure is a matter of individual choice as well. When is medication necessary?The higher your blood pressure is, the more likely you are to benefit from taking antihypertensive medication. If you have very high blood pressure, the risk of cardiovascular disease is so great that doctors usually recommend immediate treatment with medication. This is the case for systolic blood pressure levels over 180 mmHg. Blood pressure that is even higher for a time, for example much higher than 200/100 mmHg, can cause symptoms like nosebleeds, headaches or dizziness. But that's quite rare, and those kinds of symptoms will usually be caused by other things. Should you have more serious symptoms that might be a sign of an emergency such as a heart attack or stroke, it's important to keep calm and lie down, and then seek medical attention, or preferably have someone else get help for you. These symptoms may include chest pain and vision problems or speech problems. Sources
Is it bad to take medications to treat high blood pressure?While you might prefer to avoid pharmaceutical treatment, know that there is nothing inherently "bad" about taking medication to treat high blood pressure. Antihypertensive medications are not addictive, and the side effects are generally manageable. However, there are different kinds of blood pressure medications.
When should you take antihypertensive medications?The higher your blood pressure is, the more likely you are to benefit from taking antihypertensive medication. If you have very high blood pressure, the risk of cardiovascular disease is so great that doctors usually recommend immediate treatment with medication.
Do you really need blood pressure medicine?If you and your doctor decide you need medicine, it's not a defeat. Lots of people get high blood pressure eventually. And it's not an excuse to give up on healthy habits either. You'll get the most benefit from your blood pressure drugs if you combine regular exercise, a good diet, and a healthy weight. CDC: "High Blood Pressure."
Can I stop taking my blood pressure medication without talking to Doctor?Even if changes in your lifestyle seem to have improved your blood pressure, never stop taking your medication without talking to your doctor. If you don't agree with your doctor's advice to continue taking your blood pressure medication, you can get a second opinion.
Can you take high blood pressure medicine if you don't have high blood pressure?Study Finds Blood Pressure Meds May Help People Who Don't Have Hypertension. New research finds that even people with normal blood pressure and no history of heart disease may benefit from taking blood pressure medications.
Should I take my blood pressure medicine if my blood pressure is normal?Medication can help control blood pressure, but it will not cure it, even if your blood pressure readings appear normal. Do not stop taking medications if you reach “normal.” When taking medication, it remains important to track and manage your blood pressure.
What happens if you take blood pressure medicine by mistake?It can cause seriously low heart rates, lethargy, coma and even death. Blood pressure medication is so strong that even just 6ml (that's just over a teaspoon) can lead to coma. Falling under the blood pressure umbrella are also nasal sprays and eye drops.
What happens if you have high blood pressure and don't take medication?Uncontrolled high blood pressure can lead to stroke, heart attack, heart failure and other heart conditions; cause damage to your kidneys, memory and vision; and contribute to erectile dysfunction.
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