High Blood Pressure – Medications Work!
High blood pressure is a major cause of strokes, heart attacks and even kidney failure, which can cause you to end up needing dialysis.
The most important first step is knowing what your blood pressure is:
Normal blood pressure is: less than 120/80.
Don’t think you already know the signs of normal blood pressure:
- If your head doesn’t hurt, that does not mean you don’t have high blood pressure. You may feel nothing and still have high blood pressure.
- If your blood pressure was high before, but you took it today and the doctor did not say anything, that doesn’t mean it went away…ask for the number.
- If you were told you have high blood pressure, BUT you only take your medicines when your head hurts, or you’re feeling nervous or stressed…you’re making a big mistake.
High blood pressure is more common in African-Americans than any other group in the United States. Some of the reasons for this are genetic, but other reasons are related to other risk factors that can cause the development of high blood pressure. These risk factors include obesity, lack of physical activity, foods that you eat, especially those high in salt and still other factors.
If there is one take-away as you read this, it is this…if you have been told you have high blood pressure and have been prescribed medication(s) for your blood pressure, you need to take it…EVERYDAY.
Not just on the bad days, but everyday.
If the medicines are upsetting your stomach, making you feel dizzy, affecting sexual activity or anything else, let your doctor know and ask to change it.
If you can’t afford the medicine, again speak to your doctor. There are programs as well as many other low cost options, to help you get your medicines.
The medicines do work! Take the right one for you!
Remember, prevention of a stroke, dialysis for kidney disease or a heart attack is within your control.
Have a Healthy Heart, Take ControlTM.
HealthyHeartTM, a powered by HealthFleet solution.
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