When should you start treating high blood pressure?

You should aim for a blood pressure treatment goal of less than 130/80 mm Hg if:

1. You’re a healthy adult age 65 or older.
2. You’re a healthy adult younger than age 65 with a 10\% or higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease in the next 10 years.
3. You have chronic kidney disease, diabetes or coronary artery disease.

What happens if you take blood pressure medicine when you don’t need it?

If you don’t take your blood pressure pills for your heart as prescribed, it could raise your chances of a heart attack, a stroke, kidney failure, or other complications. Even OTC drugs can be dangerous to skip.

Does 140/90 require medication?

140/90 or higher (stage 2 hypertension): You probably need medication. At this level, your doctor is likely to prescribe medicine now to get your blood pressure under control. At the same time, you’ll also need to make lifestyle changes. If you ever have blood pressure that’s 180/120 or above, it’s an emergency.

Does walking decrease blood pressure?

Ten minutes of brisk or moderate walking three times a day Exercise lowers blood pressure by reducing blood vessel stiffness so blood can flow more easily. The effects of exercise are most noticeable during and immediately after a workout. Lowered blood pressure can be most significant right after you work out.

What is an alarming blood pressure?

Your blood pressure is considered high (stage 1) if it reads 130/80. Stage 2 high blood pressure is 140/90 or higher. If you get a blood pressure reading of 180/110 or higher more than once, seek medical treatment right away. A reading this high is considered “hypertensive crisis.”

Does walking reduce blood pressure?

When should I take medicine for high blood pressure?

Your doctor may advise you to take medicine for high blood pressure if: Your blood pressure is 160/100 or higher. You have organ damage or other health problems such as heart failure, coronary artery disease, diabetes, or kidney disease.

Can I take more than one type of blood pressure medicine?

You may need to take more than one type of medicine to control your blood pressure. You can also talk to your health care team about how long it should take your blood pressure medicine to work. It is important to take your blood pressure medicine exactly as your doctor tells you to.

How do I know if I need blood pressure medicine?

Your health care team will tell you if you need medicine for high blood pressure, based on your blood pressure readings over a period of time. If you use a home blood pressure monitor, record or write down your readings. Share your readings with your health care team so that you can make the best decision to manage your blood pressure together.

What are the benefits and risks of blood pressure medicines?

The benefits of blood pressure medicines are clear: Blood pressure medicines can help you keep your blood pressure at healthy levels and therefore greatly reduce your risk of heart disease, heart attack, and stroke. In general, the risks of taking blood pressure medicines are low.