Despite affecting nearly one in four U.S.adults, high blood pressure remains a significantly undertreated condition, with less than a quarter of patients reaching recommended levels. Experts warn that inconsistent medication use and a preference for unproven remedies contribute to this gap, increasing teh risk of serious complications like heart attack, stroke, and kidney disease. This report details critical guidance from cardiologist Professor Meral Kayıkçıoğlu on consistently managing hypertension for long-term health, emphasizing the importance of daily medication adherence and proactive lifestyle adjustments.
Nearly one in four adults lives with high blood pressure, but treatment success rates remain surprisingly low, with only about 22.2% of patients achieving their target blood pressure levels. A significant factor contributing to this gap is inconsistent medication adherence and a reliance on unproven “natural” remedies.
Uncontrolled hypertension can lead to a range of serious health complications, including heart attack, kidney disease, stroke, vascular blockage, brain hemorrhage, and dementia. This underscores the importance of effective blood pressure management for long-term health.
The prevalence of hypertension increases with age. It affects approximately 40% of adults between the ages of 45 and 54, rising to 50% in those aged 55 to 64.
Experts recommend that individuals of all ages have their blood pressure checked at least once a year. Regular monitoring is a key step in early detection and prevention.
According to guidelines from the European Society of Cardiology, an ideal blood pressure reading is 120/70 mm Hg. For adults already taking medication to lower blood pressure, the guidelines aim for a systolic (top number) reading between 120-129 mmHg.
It’s important to remember that a blood pressure reading below 140/90 mmHg isn’t necessarily a cause for celebration. Risks associated with elevated blood pressure begin to increase even above 120/70 mmHg.
‘Every Day, Not Just When You Need It’
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Meral Kayıkçıoğlu, a professor of cardiology at Ege University Medical Faculty, emphasized that blood pressure can be effectively controlled with consistent medication use, preventing damage to the heart, kidneys, and eyes. “Use your blood pressure medications correctly and regularly. Listen carefully to your doctor. If you don’t take your medication as prescribed, your blood pressure won’t come down,” she said.
Hypertension is a chronic condition, meaning it requires ongoing management even if blood pressure levels are under control. However, some patients mistakenly stop taking their medication when they feel their blood pressure has improved.
Kayıkçıoğlu cautioned that blood pressure medication must be taken daily, not just when symptoms are present. “Blood pressure medications are only effective on the days they are taken. Therefore, if you forget to take your medication, your blood pressure will immediately rise. Blood pressure medication cannot be taken every other day. Try not to miss a dose.”
Take at the Same Time, Without Checking Your Pressure First
Kayıkçıoğlu offered several recommendations for individuals managing hypertension:
1. Medications have specific durations of action, typically lasting up to 24 hours. Therefore, it’s crucial to take medication regularly and at the same time each day. Delaying a dose can elevate blood pressure.
2. Take your blood pressure medication at the prescribed time, without checking your blood pressure first. Many patients mistakenly check their blood pressure and only take their medication if it’s high, which is incorrect.
3. Do not discontinue or adjust your medication dosage without consulting your doctor. Adjusting the dose is your doctor’s responsibility.
4. Monitor your blood pressure regularly. If you are taking blood pressure medication, measure your blood pressure twice a week.
Annual Heart, Eye, and Kidney Checkups
5. Even if your blood pressure is normal, schedule an annual checkup with your doctor to assess your heart, eyes, and kidneys.
6. Avoid using medications recommended by individuals other than your doctor. Everyone’s condition is different, and your doctor knows your health best. A medication that works well for a friend may be harmful to you.
7. Do not consume herbal remedies or other substances without first consulting your doctor. Just because something is labeled “herbal” doesn’t mean it’s harmless.
Pain Relievers Can Interfere with Blood Pressure Medication
8. Limit your use of pain relievers. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can interfere with the effectiveness of blood pressure medication. Try to avoid using pain relievers whenever possible. Frequent use of these medications can also damage the kidneys. If you need to take a pain reliever, choose one containing acetaminophen, which is less harmful to the kidneys.
9. Engage in regular physical activity. Walk briskly for at least 45 minutes three times a week. Avoid exercising in extremely hot or cold weather, and wear comfortable clothing. Don’t exercise immediately after eating.
Abdominal Fat Directly Raises Blood Pressure
10. Reduce your salt intake. Eliminate salt from the dining table and avoid salty foods and beverages, such as pickles, tomato paste, and brine. Try to reduce the salt content of olives and cheese. Reducing salt intake alone can lower your blood pressure by 5-10 mmHg.
11. Avoid smoking. The harmful substances in cigarettes constrict blood vessels, causing blood pressure to rise within 15 minutes of smoking. Prevent smoking from elevating your blood pressure and avoid being around others who are smoking.
12. Lose excess weight, particularly abdominal fat. Fat stored in the abdomen directly raises blood pressure and increases the risk of heart disease.
