Written by KURA Writer- Rylee Nelson
High blood pressure is a condition that affects millions of people and is more common in older age. It can be dangerous because, if left untreated, it can lead to severe complications such as heart attack, stroke, heart failure, kidney disease, vision loss, and more (AHA, 2022). Medications that help manage high blood pressure help reduce the risk of these complications. However, when it comes to taking these medications, some things are essential to remember. Things to consider include (WebMD, 2022):
● Take medications at the same time everyday.
● Never stop taking medications without talking to your doctor.
● Don’t take extra doses, if you miss a dose take it when you remember but if it’s close to the time of your next dose just take that next dose and go back to the regular schedule.
● Don’t take two doses to compensate for a missed dose as this can lead to serious side effects by excessively lowering blood pressure and slowing heart rate which can cause dizziness, fatigue, fainting, and more.
● Utilize a pill box that has the days of the week on it to help you remember to take your medication and develop a routine.
It’s important to remember to take blood pressure medication exactly as prescribed to maintain good health and prevent serious complications. Depending on the medication, age, weight, or other medications taken, it may take minutes up to a few hours to see the effect from the medication (Perlowski, 2022). If you currently take blood pressure medication and have any questions or concerns, discuss them with your doctor. Also, never change your medication dose without your doctor’s advice. If you have trouble remembering to take your medication, set a reminder on your phone, use a pill box with the days of the week, or write down a daily or weekly schedule to follow. Finally, commit to taking your blood pressure medication correctly and develop a routine that works for you.
References:
American Heart Association. (2022, March 4). Health Threats from High Blood Pressure. www.heart.org. Retrieved April 27, 2023, from https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure/health-threats-from-high-blood-pressure#:~:text=Left%20undetected%20or%20uncontrolled%2C%20high,to%20become%20blocked%20or%20burst.
Perlowski, A. (2022, June 27). When should you take blood pressure medication? . GoodRx Health. Retrieved May 6, 2023, from https://www.goodrx.com/conditions/hypertension/when-to-take-blood-pressure-medication
WebMD. (2022, August 22). High blood pressure medication guidelines. WebMD. Retrieved May 3, 2023, from https://www.webmd.com/hypertension-high-blood-pressure/guide/medicine-guidelines
