See your doctor
High blood pressure, or hypertension, is called the silent killer because many people don't even know they have this condition. That's why it's important to have your doctor check your blood pressure.
Learn your numbers
Blood pressure is measured by two sets of numbers: the systolic (or top number) and the diastolic (or bottom number). Chances are that your doctor will want you to have a systolic measurement under 130 and a diastolic measurement under 80. Depending on your health, your doctor may have lower numbers in mind. If your doctor feels that your blood pressure is too high, you might get a prescription for a blood pressure-lowering medication. Remember, lowering your blood pressure helps reduce your risk of heart attack or stroke.
Take your medication
There's a wide variety of medications that effectively lower blood pressure. They are generally divided into five classes: diuretics or water pills, ACE inhibitors, calcium channel blockers, angiotensin-receptor blockers or ARBs, and beta-blockers. Each class of medication works in a different way, and each has different side effects. Your doctor will determine which medication—or combination of medications—you should take. In addition, your doctor should recheck your blood pressure to make sure your medication is working.
Do you also have high cholesterol?
Many patients with hypertension also have high cholesterol, which may also increase your risk of heart attack or stroke. So have your doctor perform a blood test to check your cholesterol levels. And keep in mind that some blood pressure and cholesterol medications can cause problems when taken together. If Medco manages your prescription program benefit and we notice a safety issue with your medications, we can check the other drugs that have been dispensed to you and consult with your doctor, if necessary. And remember: See your doctor, learn your numbers, and take your medication.
High blood pressure, or hypertension, is called the silent killer because many people don't even know they have this condition. That's why it's important to have your doctor check your blood pressure.
Learn your numbers
Blood pressure is measured by two sets of numbers: the systolic (or top number) and the diastolic (or bottom number). Chances are that your doctor will want you to have a systolic measurement under 130 and a diastolic measurement under 80. Depending on your health, your doctor may have lower numbers in mind. If your doctor feels that your blood pressure is too high, you might get a prescription for a blood pressure-lowering medication. Remember, lowering your blood pressure helps reduce your risk of heart attack or stroke.
Take your medication
There's a wide variety of medications that effectively lower blood pressure. They are generally divided into five classes: diuretics or water pills, ACE inhibitors, calcium channel blockers, angiotensin-receptor blockers or ARBs, and beta-blockers. Each class of medication works in a different way, and each has different side effects. Your doctor will determine which medication—or combination of medications—you should take. In addition, your doctor should recheck your blood pressure to make sure your medication is working.
Do you also have high cholesterol?
Many patients with hypertension also have high cholesterol, which may also increase your risk of heart attack or stroke. So have your doctor perform a blood test to check your cholesterol levels. And keep in mind that some blood pressure and cholesterol medications can cause problems when taken together. If Medco manages your prescription program benefit and we notice a safety issue with your medications, we can check the other drugs that have been dispensed to you and consult with your doctor, if necessary. And remember: See your doctor, learn your numbers, and take your medication.
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