High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a common condition that affects millions of people around the world. If left untreated, it can lead to serious health complications, including heart attack, stroke, and kidney failure. That's why it's so important to remember to take your medication to treat your high blood pressure.

What does it mean to have high blood pressure?

When you have high blood pressure, your heart has to work harder to pump blood throughout your body. Over time, this can damage your blood vessels and put strain on your heart, increasing your risk of heart attack and stroke. Additionally, when the blood vessels in the kidneys, which are responsible for filtering waste and excess fluids from your body, are affected by high blood pressure. High blood pressure can damage them and can lead to kidney failure, a serious condition that can require dialysis or a transplant.

Factors contributing to high blood pressure

There are many factors that can contribute to high blood pressure, including:

1. Age: Blood pressure tends to increase with age, and older individuals are more likely to develop hypertension.

2. Diet: A diet high in salt, saturated and trans fats, and added sugars can contribute to high blood pressure.

3. Lack of physical activity: Regular physical activity can help lower blood pressure, so a sedentary lifestyle may increase the risk of developing hypertension.

4. Stress: Chronic stress and anxiety can raise blood pressure.

5. Alcohol consumption: Excessive alcohol consumption can increase blood pressure.

6. Obesity: Being overweight or obese can increase the risk of high blood pressure.

7. Certain medical conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, kidney disease, and sleep apnea, can increase the risk of high blood pressure.

8. Genetics: High blood pressure tends to run in families, so if your parents or grandparents have had high blood pressure, you may be more likely to develop it as well.

Treating high blood pressure

Treating your high blood pressure with medication can help to lower your blood pressure and reduce your risk of these complications. There are several different types of medication that are commonly used to treat high blood pressure, including diuretics, beta blockers, and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. Your doctor can help you determine which medication is right for you.

In addition to taking your medication, there are also several lifestyle changes that you can make to help manage your high blood pressure. These include eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly (recommendation for adults is at least 2 hours and 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise, such as brisk walking or bicycling, every week. That’s about 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week.)

Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.

It is important to take your blood pressure medicine exactly as your doctor tells you to. Don't stop taking your current medicine without talking to your doctor or pharmacist first. Stopping your blood pressure medicine without first talking to your health care team could lead to serious health consequences. 

Conclusion

High blood pressure puts extra strain on the heart, blood vessels, and other organs, increasing the risk of heart attack, stroke, kidney failure, and other serious conditions. By taking hypertension medications as prescribed, you can help control your blood pressure and reduce your risk of these health problems.

If you have trouble remembering your daily medication, give it a go at Popit Medication Reminder app and tracker.  Read more about Why Popit is a must-have for patients with daily medications.