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What can you do about high blood
pressure? What you can do Write down any symptoms you're experiencing. High blood pressure seldom has symptoms, but it is a risk factor for heart disease. Letting your doctor know if you have symptoms like chest pains or shortness of breath can help your doctor decide how aggressively your high blood pressure needs to be treated.Write down key personal information, including a family history of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease, stroke or diabetes, and any major stresses or recent life changes.Make a list of all medications, vitamins or supplements that you're taking.Take a family member or friend along, if possible. Sometimes it can be difficult to soak up all the information provided to you during an appointment. Someone who accompanies you may remember something that you missed or forgot.Be prepared to discuss your diet and exercise habits. If you don't already follow a diet or exercise routine, be ready to talk to your doctor about any challenges you might face in getting started.Write down questions to ask your doctor. What kinds of tests will I need? Do I need any medications? What foods should I eat or avoid? What's an appropriate level of physical activity? How often do I need to schedule appointments to check my blood pressure? Should I monitor my blood pressure at home? What are the alternatives to the primary approach that you're suggesting? I have other health conditions. How can I best manage them together? Are there any restrictions that I need to follow? Should I see a specialist? Is there a generic alternative to the medicine you're prescribing for me? Are there any brochures or other printed material that I can take home with me? Follow your treatment plan • Take your medicines as prescribed. Call your doctor if you think you are having a problem with your medicine. You may take one or more types of medicine to lower your blood pressure. • See your doctor regularly. • Learn how to check your blood pressure at home. • If you are taking blood pressure medicine, talk to your doctor before you take decongestants or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen. Some of these can raise blood pressure or interact with blood pressure medicines. • Make lifestyle changes • Stay at a healthy weight. This is especially important if you put on weight around your waist. Losing even 10 pounds can help you lower your blood pressure. • Try to get at least 2½ hours of moderate exercise a week. One way to do this is to be active 30 minutes a day, at least 5 days a week. It's fine to be active in blocks of 10 minutes or more throughout your day and week. • If you drink alcohol, drink moderately. Limit alcohol to 2 drinks a day for men and 1 drink a day for women. • Eat less salt and salty foods. • Follow the DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) eating plan. This plan can help you lower blood pressure. Its focus is on fruits, vegetables, healthy fats, and low-fat dairy foods. This type of eating plan can help you lose weight and also lower your risk for heart disease. • Do not smoke. Smoking increases your risk for heart attack and stroke. If you need help quitting, talk to your doctor about stop-smoking programs and medicines. These can increase your chances of quitting for good. |