High Blood Pressure Treatment

Blood pressure measures the pressure in your blood vessels (arteries) when blood flows around your body. If you have high blood pressure it may mean your blood vessels are narrower than normal, so your heart is working harder to pump blood around the rest of your body.

In the UK, about a third of people have high blood pressure but may not be aware of it. High blood pressure can cause some serious health problems like stroke or heart attacks.

Blood pressure is measured with 2 numbers:

1. The higher number (systolic blood pressure) measures the blood pressure in your arteries during each heartbeat, when your heart pumps blood out.
2. The lower number (diastolic blood pressure) measures the blood pressure in your arteries when your heart is resting between beats.

Blood pressure readings are measured in millimetres of mercury (mmHg). A normal blood pressure reading is usually between 90/60mmHg and 120/80mmHg.

High blood pressure is when the reading is over 140/90mmHg. A reading between 120/80mmHg and 140/90mmHg can mean that you are at risk of getting high blood pressure.

A lot of people with high blood pressure only find out when they have a routine check up, as it can often cause no symptoms at all. Sometimes, if it is very high, you may have symptoms like headaches, dizziness, or changes in your vision.

To make a diagnosis, your doctor will need to confirm you have numerous high blood pressure readings taken at different times, when you are relaxed. This can be done with help from your local GP surgery or at home using your own digital blood pressure monitor.

Certain things may increase your risk of having high blood pressure. You may be at risk if you:

• are 65 or older
• have a family history of high blood pressure
• do not exercise regularly
• smoke
• drink too much alcohol
• drink a lot of coffee
• eat foods with a lot of salt
• do not have enough fibre, fruit and vegetables in your diet
• are overweight
• do not sleep well
• are under stress regularly
• are of African or Caribbean heritage

Sometimes, high blood pressure may be caused by some conditions like:

• thyroid problems
• kidney problems
• hormone problems (adrenal gland tumours)
• diabetes
• lupus
• obstructive sleep apnoea
• heart problems from birth (congenital)
• taking medicines like the combined contraceptive pills or steroids
• taking illegal drugs like cocaine

No, high blood pressure tablets are prescription-only medicines so you need a doctor’s prescription to get them.

Treating high blood pressure depends on certain factors like your age, ethnicity, other medications you take, if you are pregnant, or if you have other medical conditions like diabetes.

If you are already using blood pressure treatments and your blood pressure is well controlled, you can get a prescription for your treatment from our doctors. Our doctors will make sure that the treatment is still right for you.

High blood pressure tablets can be very effective, but they each have some side effects you should watch out for. These side effects may resolve after some time but if they become unbearable, speak to your doctor.

ACE inhibitors

Common side effects of ACE inhibitors may include:

• A dry, irritating cough
• dizziness
• headaches
• feeling or being sick
• mild skin rash

Angiotensin-II receptor blockers (ARB)

ARB tablets may cause some side effects, including:

• dizziness
• headaches
• feeling or being sick
• joint and muscle pain

Calcium channels blockers

Calcium channel blockers may cause some side effects including:

• constipation
• headaches
• swollen ankles
• dizziness
• flushed skin

Beta blockers

Some side effects of taking beta blockers are:

• dizziness
• headaches
• feeling tired
• cold hands and feet
• constipation
• problems with getting an erection

Diuretics or ‘water’ tablets

Diuretics may cause the following side effects:

• dizziness
• increased thirst
• needing to pee more often than usual
• a condition known as gout
• problems with getting an erection

Alpha blockers

Some side effects of taking alpha blockers are:

• headaches
• dizziness or feeling drowsy
• dry mouth
• feeling sick

There are a few things you can do to manage the side effects of high blood pressure tablets.

You can:

• drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration
• avoid drinking alcohol
• avoid caffeine
• quit smoking
• eat more fibre, fruit, and vegetables
• raise your legs when sitting down
• sit or lie down if you feel dizzy
• avoid spicy food and try to take your tablets with food or after a meal
• speak to your doctor if the side effects are unbearable so they can recommend other high blood pressure tablets

It is important you tell your doctor about all medications you are taking before they prescribe high blood pressure tablets for you. You should tell your doctor if you have any medical conditions, so they can recommend the right treatment for you.

ACE inhibitors and ARB tablets are not prescribed for pregnant women or breastfeeding mothers. You should tell your doctor if you think you may be pregnant or are planning to be pregnant.

Avoid drinking grapefruit juice or eating grapefruit when taking calcium channel blockers as it may increase your risk of having side effects.

You should not take beta blockers if you have asthma or COPD.

If you notice signs of an allergic reaction after taking any of the high blood pressure tablets, stop taking them and go to your nearest A&E department.

Signs of an allergic reaction may include:

• skin rash that is itchy, red, blistered, or swollen
• wheezing
• tightness in your chest
• swollen tongue, face, or throat
• difficulty breathing

There is no current evidence against taking Vitamin D while also taking high blood pressure treatment tablets. If you are concerned about taking any other medicines, including over the counter ones, while you are on high blood pressure medications, speak to your doctor for advice.

Treating high blood pressure should usually begin with making healthy lifestyle changes. You may even be able to lower your blood pressure this way without the need to also take medication.

To help lower high blood pressure you can:

• reduce your alcohol intake
• stop smoking
• increase regular exercise
• eat a healthy diet including plenty of fruit, fibre, and vegetables
• lose unhealthy weight
• drink less caffeine