Q. I checked my blood pressure recently, and it was a little higher than usual. It was a similar number when I checked a few days later. How do I know if I need to start medication?
A. Your blood pressure is an important component of your overall cardiovascular health. Hypertension is a medical condition characterized by consistently high blood pressure. Untreated hypertension can increase your risk of heart attack, stroke, kidney failure and even eye problems that could eventually lead to blindness.
Here are key points to remember:
- A normal blood pressure is less than 120/80.
- If the diastolic blood pressure or “bottom number,” is greater than 80 mm Hg, you will likely require medication to lower blood pressure.
- Treatment decisions are based on your age, your cardiovascular risk factors, and other medical conditions you may have.
- Anyone with hypertension should first and foremost focus on intensive lifestyle changes. My recommendation is to eat less, eat smart, and move more. Those actions alone can treat hypertension in many patients.
If you believe you have hypertension, it is important to consult with your primary who can assess your overall cardiovascular risk and discuss treatment options tailored to you.
