Treatment for high blood pressure
Making changes to your lifestyle can often treat high blood pressure (also called hypertension), but medication can also help. Find out what you might need.
Your healthcare professional will advise you on what is best for you, based on your blood pressure readings. Advice can range from changing your diet through to medications to reduce your risk of heart attacks or strokes.
When you may need treatment
The general rule is that your doctor will advise you to take treatment if your blood pressure is consistently above 140/90mmHg at the GP practice (or above 135/85mmHg on average at home).
If you are overweight or inactive, you may be able to avoid going on treatment by increasing your physical activity levels or losing weight.
Healthy lifestyle treats high blood pressure
Everyone with high blood pressure should make healthy changes to their life, which can reduce blood pressure in just a few weeks, like:
- cutting your salt intake to less than 6g (0.2oz) a day
- eating a balanced diet that includes fresh fruit and vegetables
- losing weight
- cutting down on alcohol
- drinking less caffeine (found in coffee, tea and cola)
- stopping smoking
- getting at least six hours of sleep a night
You may be able to avoid medication if you make these lifestyle changes early.
Medication for high blood pressure
Several medications help to reduce high blood pressure, with many people taking a combination of different ones.
The best medication for you will be decided by a variety of factors including your age and ethnicity.
Medication options include:
- ACE-inhibitors, such as lisinopril
- ARBs, such as losartan
- Calcium channel blockers, such as amlodipine
- Diuretics, such as bendroflumethiazide
- Other medications such as beta-blockers or spironolactone
You may need to always take blood pressure medication – but if your blood pressure stays under control for several years, you may be able to cut back or stop treatment.
Most people don't have any side effects from these medications, but your GP will advise you on this.
So are you ready to be healthier and improve your blood pressure?
