High Blood Pressure Treatment

You and your health care provider have options for treating your high blood pressure.

• Many people can lower their blood pressure significantly with lifestyle changes, such as weight loss and exercise, but most still need medication to keep their blood pressure in the healthy range.
  
  
• Whichever therapy you choose, it is important to have your blood pressure checked regularly to make sure that your treatment is working.
  
  
• Uncontrolled high blood pressure is a leading cause of heart disease, heart attacks, heart failure, kidney failure, vision problems, and stroke.

You may have wondered whether the blood pressure machines at the pharmacy or supermarket are accurate.

• A recent study showed that they can be accurate, but sometimes are not.
  
  
• It usually is not possible to tell whether a particular machine is working properly. The cuff should inflate and fit snugly around your arm.
  
  
• Use the machine as directed.
  
  
• Measure your blood pressure three times, two minutes apart. The third measurement is usually the most accurate.
  
  
• If your blood pressure is high on the third reading, even borderline, have it checked by another machine that you know is accurate (for example, at the office of your health care provider).
  
  
• Do not rely on the machines in stores alone to check your blood pressure. Have it checked regularly by a trained medical professional with a machine that is known to be accurate.

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