Lots of people have high blood pressure and take medicine to help keep it in good control.
But if you don't take your medicine as directed, your blood pressure can get out of control, and that puts you at higher risk for heart attack, stroke, and other serious health problems.
So here are some tips to help you stay on track with your blood pressure meds, and lower your risk.
When you have high blood pressure, you usually don't feel sick--and taking the medicine won't really make you feel any better.
You might wonder if it's even working--or forget to take it.
But just because you don't feel it working doesn't mean the medicine isn't doing its job.
For the medicine to work, you need to take it just like your doctor tells you to.
Have a medicine schedule, and follow it.
Understand all the medicines you take and when you need to take them.
You can use a pillbox, calendar, or alarm clock to help remind you.
There are lots of different kinds of blood pressure medicine, so your doctor will probably start with one and then adjust your dose or add meds until your blood pressure is in good control.
Many people need more than one medicine to control their blood pressure.
So know that it may take some time to find a combination that's right for you.
Like any medicine, blood pressure meds can have some side effects.
Fortunately, there are lots of different types of blood pressure medicine.
So your doctor may be able to change how much you take or try a different medicine to help reduce or get rid of side effects.
If you have side effects that bother you enough to make you want to stop taking your medicine, talk with your doctor.
Don't stop taking your medicine on your own.
And remember, medicine helps control your blood pressure--not cure it.
That's why along with taking medicine, it's just as important to take good care of yourself.
Eat healthy food ... stay active ... and don't smoke.
By taking your medicine and making healthy choices, you can prevent problems from high blood pressure.