| ENCYCLOPEDIA INDEX |
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| A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P R S T U V W Y |
High blood pressure |
| Overview Treatment |
| Alternative Names: |
| HBP; Blood pressure - high |
| Home Care: |
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For high blood pressure caused by essential hypertension or if you have prehypertesion, a proper diet, weight loss, exercise, and salt and alcohol reduction are often recommended. If these measures alone are not enough, your health care provider will talk to you about taking medication to lower your blood pressure. If your blood pressure reading is consistently above 140/90 mmHg, drugs for hypertension may be prescribed by the health care provider. If you have any other risk factors for heart disease, especially diabetes, your doctor will consider starting medications sooner rather than later. If you have high blood pressure, the goal is to bring your blood pressure below 140/90 on all readings. If you also have diabetes or kidney disease, the goal is for your blood pressure to be consistently below 130/80. For high blood pressure caused by medication, consult with your health care provider about changing or discontinuing drugs. DO NOT CHANGE YOUR MEDICATION WITHOUT CONSULTING YOUR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER. |
| Call your health care provider if: |
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| What to expect at your health care provider's office: |
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Your health care provider will perform a thorough physical examination. The physical examination will include blood pressure measurement. Your blood pressure may need to be monitored several times over a period of weeks or months. He or she will also ask questions such as:
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Monitoring blood pressure |
Untreated hypertension |
Lifestyle changes |
DASH diet |
High blood pressure tests |
Exercise can lower blood pressure |
Blood pressure check |
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