Hypertension Treatment: Practical Steps to Lower Your Blood Pressure

High blood pressure often gives no warning, yet it quietly increases your risk of heart attack, stroke, and kidney damage. If you’ve been told your numbers are high, this page gives usable steps you can act on today—no medical jargon, just clear advice you can follow and talk over with your doctor.

Medicine options

There are several drug classes doctors use to treat hypertension. Which one fits you depends on other health issues, age, and side effects. Common classes include:

- ACE inhibitors (example: lisinopril) — good for many people, but watch for cough and get kidney and potassium checks.

- ARBs (example: losartan) — similar benefits to ACE inhibitors, often chosen if you get a cough from an ACE.

- Calcium channel blockers (example: nifedipine/Procardia) — useful if you have chest pain or certain types of high blood pressure; can cause swelling in the ankles.

- Thiazide diuretics (example: hydrochlorothiazide) — lower volume and help many people; may change electrolytes so labs are needed.

- Beta-blockers (example: propranolol/Inderal) — helpful with fast heart rates or certain heart conditions, but not always first choice for simple high blood pressure.

Often two drugs from different classes work better together at lower doses than one high-dose pill. Your clinician may adjust or combine meds to reach your target.

Practical daily tips

Do these things every day to improve control and reduce medication needs:

- Measure at home: take readings twice daily for a week, record them, and share with your clinician. Use a validated arm cuff and sit quietly for 5 minutes first.

- Cut salt: aim for under 2,300 mg daily. Try flavoring food with herbs, lemon, or spices instead of extra salt.

- Move more: 30 minutes of brisk walking most days lowers blood pressure and improves mood.

- Watch weight: losing even 5–10% of body weight often reduces numbers noticeably.

- Limit alcohol and quit smoking: both raise cardiovascular risk even if numbers look okay.

Other things to keep in mind: take meds at the same time every day, set phone reminders, and keep an up-to-date medicine list. Avoid long-term use of NSAIDs without checking with your doctor — they can raise blood pressure. If you take ACE inhibitors, ARBs, or diuretics, expect periodic blood tests to check kidney function and electrolytes.

If you get a reading above 180/120 mm Hg, sudden chest pain, shortness of breath, sudden weakness or slurred speech, get immediate medical help. For steady but elevated readings, schedule a visit to review treatment and lifestyle steps.

Hypertension is manageable. With reliable home checks, small daily changes, and the right medicine plan, most people lower their risk and feel better. Talk openly with your healthcare team about side effects, costs, and options so you get a plan that fits your life.