Controlling High Blood Pressure

The goal of treatment is to reduce your blood pressure so that you have a lower risk of complications. You and your health care provider should set a blood pressure goal for you.

You can do many things to help control your blood pressure at home, including:

• Eating a heart-healthy diet, including potassium and fiber.
• Drinking plenty of water.
• Exercising regularly for at least 30 minutes of aerobic exercise a day.
• If you smoke, quit.
• Limiting how much alcohol you drink to one drink a day for women and two a day for men.
• Limiting the amount of sodium (salt) you eat — aim for less than 1,500 mg per day.
• Reducing stress. Try to avoid things that cause you stress and try meditation or yoga to de-stress.
• Staying at a healthy body weight.

Usually people also need medications to help control their blood pressure.  There are many different medicines to treat high blood pressure.

• Often, a single blood pressure drug may not be enough to control your blood pressure, and you may need to take two or more drugs.
• It is very important that you take the medicines prescribed to you, even if you do not feel like your blood pressure is high.
• If you have side effects, let your doctor know so they can prescribe a different medicine.

Your doctor may ask you to keep track of your blood pressure at home. If you monitor your blood pressure at home, keep a written record. Bring the results to your doctor visits.

Last Physician Review - January 13, 2015