High blood pressure (hypertension)

SECTION 5

Living well with high blood pressure

High blood pressure usually needs ongoing management. A normal reading while taking medication often means your treatment is working.

Take medications consistently

Take your medication as prescribed, even when you feel well. Do not stop it because your readings improve.

Tell your care team about side effects, cost, or difficulty remembering doses. They can help adjust your plan.

Keep a home blood pressure record

Measure using the technique described in Section 3 and follow your care team’s schedule. Record your readings and bring them to appointments.

Look at the pattern over time. Do not change your medication based on a single reading unless your clinician has given you specific instructions.

Make healthy habits sustainable

Choose changes you can maintain: cook more meals at home, read sodium labels, walk regularly, and establish a consistent sleep routine.

Keep follow-up visits and lab appointments

Visits help your care team review your readings and adjust treatment. Some medications require blood tests to monitor kidney function and electrolytes, including potassium.

Know when to get help

Contact your care team if readings repeatedly remain above your goal or you develop dizziness, weakness, or unusually low readings.

If your top number is above 180 or your bottom number is above 120 without symptoms, repeat the measurement after at least one minute. If it remains this high, contact your healthcare professional immediately.