Heart Disease
High Blood Pressure
Putting it all together
The key for most of us with high blood pressure is to let good nutrition, healthy exercise, and medicine work together.
Some people think that being "on medicine" means that they do not have to stay with their exercise plan or watch their weight anymore. Others do not want to deal with taking pills everyday. But by "putting it all together", you can get your blood pressure under control.
Remembering your medication
- Use daily events like dinner or bedtime to help you remember to take your medicine, rather than just trying to use the clock.
- Keep your medicine in a safe place, but one where you will not miss it.
- Keep a spare bottle of medication at your job or in your purse or briefcase (ask your pharmacist for the right kind of bottle for your medication so it is properly preserved and retains its potency).
- When you have a concern, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Controlling unnecessary risk
- Keep your blood pressure where it belongs.
- Keep your cholesterol level where it belongs.
- Maintain the right weight for your body.
- Find an exercise program you enjoy.
- If you smoke, try to quit.
Ask your doctor how you can
lower your risks of heart and blood vessel disease.
