Treatment Overview

Untreated high blood pressure can lead to fatal heart attacks or strokes. The higher your blood pressure, the greater your risk. Lowering blood pressure lowers the risk of damaging blood vessels and getting atherosclerosis.

High blood pressure usually can't be cured. But it can be controlled. The two types of treatment for high blood pressure are:

• Lifestyle changes.
• Daily medicines.

For most people, the goal of treatment is to get the blood pressure below 140/90. But a person's goal may be lower. Your doctor will give you a blood pressure goal that is based on your health. For example, your goal may be lower if you have other conditions such as diabetes, heart failure, coronary artery disease, or chronic kidney disease.

Treating high blood pressure usually is a lifelong effort.

Treating high blood pressure with lifestyle changes

Your doctor may suggest that you make one or more of the following changes:

• Lose weight. If you're overweight, losing extra pounds may bring your blood pressure down.
• Get more active. People who don't exercise are more likely to get high blood pressure.
• Stop smoking. Nicotine temporarily increases blood pressure and heart rate with each use.
• Cut back on drinking. Limit alcohol to 2 drinks a day for men, 1 drink a day for women.
• Eat less salt. Eating less salt can help control high blood pressure in older people.
• Follow the DASH diet. The DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) eating plan can help you lower your blood pressure.

For tips on how to do these things, see the Living With High Blood Pressure section of this topic.

Treating high blood pressure with medicines

If lifestyle changes don't work to lower your blood pressure, you probably need to take daily medicines as well.

Medicines control—but usually don't cure—high blood pressure. So you will probably need to take them for the rest of your life. Most people need to take two or more medicines.

High Blood Pressure: Should I Take Medicine?

Some people find it hard to take their medicines properly. They may feel it's too much trouble—especially when they don't feel sick. Or they're worried about side effects. Some people find it hard to keep track of when and how to take their medicines.

If you have trouble taking high blood pressure medicines for any reason, talk to your doctor.

High Blood Pressure: Taking Medicines Properly