Your Guide to Blood Pressure Medications

Blood Pressure Numbers: Two Numbers You need to Know

First, let’s start with what your blood pressure numbers mean. 

Your blood pressure is measured with two numbers, and that simple test is an easy, quick measure of heart health, says MetroHealth pharmacist Shelby Clapacs. Blood pressure is the force of your blood pushing against your vessels.  

1. The top number (systolic) is the pressure when your heart beats.  
2. The bottom number (diastolic) is the pressure when your heart relaxes

Blood Pressure: What’s Normal?

• 120/80 or under is normal 
• 120-129/80 is elevated 
• 130-39/80-89 is stage 1 hypertension/high blood pressure  
• 140+/90+ is stage 2 hypertension/high blood pressure  
• 180+/120+ is a hypertensive crisis (meaning you should call 911) 

When Would You Need Blood Pressure Medicine?

If you’re in the “elevated” range, your doctor will probably talk to you about some lifestyle changes. This could include: 

• Physical activity
• Changing your diet
• Quitting smoking
• Cutting back on caffeine and alcohol
• Reducing stress
• Getting more sleep

If you enter into stage 1 high blood pressure, your doctor may suggest medicine. Every circumstance is different. Your doctor may give you a certain amount of time to keep trying lifestyle changes first. However, by stage 2, medicine is very important. 

Types of Blood Pressure Medications

There are a handful of medicines your doctor might prescribe. Medicines work differently for different people. Some people may need to be on more than one.  

• Diuretics (furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide): Also called water pills, these medicines help get rid of excess water and salt, lowering blood pressure. You may have to go to the bathroom more if you take a diuretic and you have to be careful not to become dehydrated. 
• Beta-blockers (metoprolol, carvedilol): These lower your heart rate by making your heart beat more slowly. Your blood vessels can relax, which lowers blood pressure. Side effects include tiredness, dizziness, insomnia, and constipation. 
• ACE inhibitors (lisinopril): These stop a chemical that narrows your blood vessels, helping them stay more open. Some people develop a dry, hacking cough. If this happens to you, your doctor will switch you to another blood pressure medication. 
• ARBs (losartan, valsartan): These work on the same chemical as ACE inhibitors, but in a slightly different way. Your doctor will monitor your kidney function closely on an ARB. 
• Calcium channel blockers (amlodipine): These prevent calcium from entering your heart muscle, keeping your vessels more open. Side effects include swelling in hands and lower legs. If this happens, your doctor might decrease your dose or switch to a different class. 

Having side effects from your blood pressure medication?

Your MetroHealth care team is here for you.  If you’re having any side effects, talk to your doctor or pharmacist right away. There are many options and changes to medications that can be made to best meet your needs.  It’s important to not stop taking the medicine on your own. 

Did you know MetroHealth offers a mail-order pharmacy? If you need or are taking blood pressure medication, MetroHealth’s mail-order pharmacy makes it easier than ever to have your medicine delivered to your door at no additional cost. To set up a mail order prescription, call 216-957-MEDS (6337) or learn more about medication home delivery. 

Your Questions Answered

Q. Why do I need blood pressure medication?

A. Blood pressure medicine helps lower your blood pressure and reduces your risk of serious health problems like heart disease, stroke, and kidney damage.

Q. Will I have to take blood pressure medication forever?

A. Not always. Some people can lower their blood pressure through healthy habits like eating well, being active, and losing weight. Talk with your doctor before stopping any medication.

Q. What should I do if I miss a dose?

A. Take the missed dose as soon as you remember, unless it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose. Contact your healthcare provider if you are unsure what to do.