High blood pressure (hypertension) is common and often has no symptoms. Left untreated, it raises your risk for heart attack, stroke, and kidney damage. You can control it with lifestyle changes, regular checks, and the right meds. This page collects clear, practical tips so you can act today.
Get your numbers right. Normal is below 120/80 mmHg. Elevated and stage 1 or 2 hypertension mean doctors will suggest changes or meds depending on your overall risk. Home monitors are useful - bring readings to appointments. Don't panic at one high reading; doctors look at trends over time.
Small lifestyle moves add up. Cut back on salt - aim for under 2,000 mg a day if you can. Eat more vegetables, fruit, whole grains, and lean protein. Lose even 5% of body weight and blood pressure often falls. Move: 30 minutes of walking most days helps. Limit alcohol, quit smoking, and manage stress with sleep, breathing, or simple routines. These steps sometimes keep people off meds or make drugs work better.
When lifestyle isn't enough, meds lower risk fast. Common classes: ACE inhibitors (lisinopril), ARBs (losartan), calcium channel blockers (amlodipine), thiazide diuretics (hydrochlorothiazide), and beta-blockers (metoprolol). Each has pros and side effects. For example, beta-blockers can worsen asthma symptoms, thiazides raise urination, and ACE inhibitors may cause a cough. Your doctor picks the mix based on age, other conditions, and how high your pressure is.
Track blood pressure at home and log numbers. If readings stay high despite changes, ask about combination therapy. Seek urgent care if you have chest pain, severe headache, shortness of breath, or sudden weakness - those can be signs of a hypertensive emergency.
If you need meds, be careful buying online. Use licensed pharmacies, look for a physical address and pharmacist contact, and read recent reviews. Avoid sites that don't require a prescription. Our site Reliable Canadian Pharmacy shares guides on safe online purchases and alternatives to common drugs like metoprolol. Always check medication names and dosages when your order arrives. If a pill looks different than expected, verify with your pharmacist before taking it.
Talk honestly with your healthcare team about side effects and goals. Small changes plus the right meds reduce risk and help you feel better. Use our tag page to find guides, medication reviews, and buying tips related to hypertension.
Most blood pressure drugs have side effects but many are mild. You might feel dizzy when standing, tired, or notice a dry cough with ACE inhibitors. Thiazide diuretics can lower potassium - your doctor may check blood tests. If side effects bother you, don't stop suddenly. Call your provider; they can adjust dose or swap medications.
Buy an automatic cuff that fits your arm. Compare readings with clinic measurements to check accuracy. Take readings twice a day for a week before a visit: morning and evening, two readings each time with one minute between. Record values and share the log. Accurate tracking helps your doctor choose the right treatment plan today.
