Sign up
Log in
EspañolSave big on your prescriptions.
Get the free SingleCare app
Get the free SingleCare app
Always free for consumers
Quickly access discount cards
Over a billion dollars saved
4.8 average rating
Text a link to download the app
Phone number
Scan to download the app
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a very common condition. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it affects almost half of adults in the United States. Understanding high blood pressure and how to treat it are great first steps in managing your condition. Continue reading to learn more about high blood pressure and how to manage it.
What is hypertension?
High blood pressure is when the force of blood pushing against the walls of your blood vessels is consistently high. Blood pressure levels are reported as two numbers: systolic pressure (the pressure in blood vessels when the heart beats) and diastolic pressure (the pressure in the blood vessels when the heart rests in between beats) and are as follows:- Normal blood pressure: Systolic blood pressure is less than 120 mm Hg, and diastolic blood pressure is less than 80 mmHg
- Elevated blood pressure: Systolic is 120 to 129 mmHg, and diastolic is less than 80 mmHg
- Stage 1 high blood pressure: Systolic is 130 to 139 mmHg, OR diastolic is 80 to 89 mmHg
- Stage 2 high blood pressure: Systolic is 140 mmHg or higher, OR diastolic is 90 mmHg or higher
Although there is no single identifiable cause of hypertension, risk factors for high blood pressure include being overweight or obese, not being physically active, excessive salt consumption, and excessive alcohol consumption. Older adults and those with family members who have high blood pressure are also at higher risk.
Treating high blood pressure usually involves a combination of methods, such as dietary changes, increased exercise, and medication, if needed.
Complications of high blood pressure
Chronic hypertension can lead to several health conditions, according to the American Heart Association. These include:- Heart attack
- Stroke
- Heart failure
- Chronic kidney disease or kidney failure
- Vision loss
- Sexual dysfunction
- Cardiovascular disease and angina (chest pain)
- Peripheral artery disease
How is hypertension diagnosed?
Many people discover blood pressure issues during a doctor's visit when a blood pressure reading is taken using a blood pressure cuff. However, your doctor might also order laboratory tests to determine if there is organ or tissue damage and to look for other health conditions. These tests may check your cholesterol, blood sugar, potassium, sodium, and other labs your doctor may think are necessary. Your doctor might also request an ECG – electrocardiogram – to detect heart problems.Preparing for your doctor’s appointment
Blood pressure issues, especially hypertension, are frequently noticed during a routine office visit or while being treated for a different condition. When a doctor sees elevated blood pressure, they might ask questions such as:
- What were you doing right before you came to the office?
- Are you on medications? Which ones?
- How much exercise do you get regularly?
- What is your typical diet?
When diagnosed with hypertension, you will probably have numerous questions and concerns. Some questions to ask your doctor include:
- What do the blood pressure numbers mean?
- What is healthy blood pressure?
- What lifestyle changes can I make to improve my blood pressure?
- How often should I check my blood pressure?
- Should I use a home blood pressure monitor? What type?
- Will I need to take blood pressure medication? How long will I need to take it?
- What are the types of medications? What are the side effects?
- What happens if I forget to take a dose?
Hypertension treatment options
There is no cure for hypertension. However, it can be managed through healthy lifestyle changes and antihypertensive medication (drug therapy). For some people, simple lifestyle changes alone are enough. Some tips for lifestyle changes for high blood pressure include:- Quitting smoking or vaping
- Weight loss if needed
- Eating a healthy diet (limiting alcohol as well as salty food)
- Exercising (ask your healthcare provider before beginning any new exercise plan, but walking is the best way to begin to increase physical activity)
- Getting enough quality sleep
- Minimizing stress
Hypertension medications
Types of blood pressure prescription medication include (note that brand names are for reference; not all medications are available in the brand name form):Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors: ACE inhibitors are a type of vasodilator that blocks the production of angiotensin II, a hormone that causes blood vessels to narrow. Common adverse effects of ACE inhibitors include cough, elevated potassium levels, dizziness, headache, weakness, increased uric acid, and sun sensitivity. Some common ACE inhibitors include:
- Lotensin (benazepril)
- Vasotec, Epaned (enalapril)
- Prinivil, Zestril, Qbrelis (lisinopril)
- Accupril (quinapril)
- Altace (ramipril)
- Mavik (trandolapril)
- Capoten (captopril)
- Monopril (fosinopril)
- Univasc (moexipril)
- Aceon (perindopril)
- Edarbi (azilsartan)
- Atacand (candesartan)
- Avapro (irbesartan)
- Cozaar (losartan)
- Diovan (valsartan)
- Benicar (olmesartan)
- Micardis (telmisartan)
- Norvasc (amlodipine)
- Cardizem, Tiazac (diltiazem)
- Plendil (felodipine)
- Dynacirc (isradipine)
- Cardene SR (nicardipine)
- Adalat CC, Procardia (nifedipine)
- Sular (nisoldipine)
- Calan, Verelan (verapamil)
- Diuril (chlorothiazide)
- Hygroton (chlorthalidone)
- Microzide (hydrochlorothiazide)
- Lozol (indapamide)
- Zaroxolyn (metolazone)
- Lasix (furosemide)
- Demadex (torsemide)
- Bumex (bumetanide)
- Sectral (acebutolol)
- Tenormin (atenolol)
- Kerlone (betaxolol)
- Zebeta (bisoprolol)
- Lopressor (metoprolol tartrate)
- Toprol XL (metoprolol succinate extended-release)
- Corgard (nadolol)
- Visken (pindolol)
- Inderal (propranolol)
- Coreg (carvedilol)
- Trandate, Normodyne (labetalol)
- Bystolic (nebivolol)
- Betapace (sotalol)
- Cardura (doxazosin)
- Minipress (prazosin)
- Hytrin (terazosin)
- Catapres (clonidine)
- Tenex (guanfacine)
- Hyzaar (losartan/hydrochlorothiazide)
- Diovan HCT (valsartan/hydrochlorothiazide)
- Exforge (valsartan/amlodipine)
- Benicar HCT (olmesartan/hydrochlorothiazide)
- Tribenzor (amlodipine/olmesartan/hydrochlorothiazide)
What is the best medication for hypertension?
There are many different choices for the treatment of hypertension, and there is no "best" medication. What works for one person might not work for another. Everyone reacts differently to medicines, and it sometimes takes time to find the right drug or combination of drugs and the right dosage for you. Your healthcare provider will take your medical conditions, medical history, and other medication you are taking into consideration when suggesting a treatment for you. An ACE inhibitor, ARB, calcium channel blocker, or diuretic will be the first treatment choice for many people. The chart below provides examples of blood pressure medications from different drug classes. You can always use a free SingleCare card to save up to 80% off the cost of your hypertension medications and other medications.*many of these medications require an initial lose dose and gradual increase in dosage until maintenance level is achieved.
Common hypertension medications
| Drug name | Learn more | See SingleCare price |
|---|---|---|
| Lotensin | lotensin details | Get free coupon |
| Vasotec | vasotec details | Get free coupon |
| Epaned | epaned details | Get free coupon |
| Prinivil | prinivil details | Get free coupon |
| Zestril | zestril details | Get free coupon |
| Qbrelis | qbrelis details | Get free coupon |
| Felodipine Er | felodipine-er details | Get free coupon |
| Toprol Xl | toprol-xl details | Get free coupon |
| Terazosin Hcl | terazosin-hcl details | Get free coupon |
| Catapres | catapres details | Get free coupon |
Dosage is determined by your doctor based on your medical condition, response to treatment, age, and other factors. Other possible side effects exist. This is not a complete list.
What are the common side effects of hypertension medication?
As with all medications, those used to treat blood pressure might cause side effects. Before starting a medicine, you must talk with your healthcare provider about the potential side effects and which ones would require immediate medical attention. Not everyone experiences side effects, and sometimes they go away after a while as your body adjusts to the medication. However, if side effects interfere with your ability to carry out daily activities or do not go away after a few weeks, you should speak with a medical professional.The following are some of the common side effects of the different types of medications for blood pressure. It is not a complete list.
ACE inhibitors
- Persistent cough
- Elevated potassium levels
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Weakness
- Increased uric acid
- Sun sensitivity
- Dizziness
- Increased potassium levels
- Swelling under the skin
- Constipation
- Dizziness
- Heart palpitations
- Fatigue
- Flushing
- Headache
- Nausea
- Rash
- Swelling in feet and lower legs
- Sun sensitivity
- Electrolyte imbalance
- Dizziness
- Headaches
- Dehydration
- Muscle cramps
- Impotence
- Dizziness
- Cold hands and feet
- Tiredness
- Impotence
- Heart palpitations
- Dizziness
- A drop in blood pressure when first standing up
- Sleepiness
- Headache
- Low blood pressure
- Stomach pain
- Irritability
- Constipation
Living with hypertension
If you have high blood pressure, follow your doctor’s recommendations for home monitoring, and keep all medical appointments. Regular blood pressure monitoring will allow you to measure your progress and see if you are getting closer to your target blood pressure. If your doctor prescribes medication, it is important to take it as directed. Many people do not have symptoms of high blood pressure, but taking medication helps keep blood pressure controlled and prevent many serious long-term complications. If you are experiencing side effects that persist or are bothersome, don’t just stop taking your medication—consult your healthcare provider for medical advice.Future of hypertension treatment
There are always clinical trials and research being conducted to advance the treatment of hypertension. A search on clinicaltrials.gov brings up almost 10,000 studies on high blood pressure. Some study areas include:- Telemedicine management
- Natural products in managing high blood pressure
- Dietary changes
- Medications
- Blood pressure screening
Frequently asked questions about hypertension
Can I cure my hypertension?
There is no cure for high blood pressure. However, making lifestyle changes (such as eating a healthy diet with less salt and alcohol, exercising, stopping smoking or vaping, and minimizing stress) along with taking medications as prescribed can help keep blood pressure controlled.What is the first drug of choice for high blood pressure?
The first choice is generally an ACE inhibitor, ARB, calcium channel blocker, or a thiazide diuretic (like hydrochlorothiazide). However, the healthcare provider will take other variables into consideration. Patients with certain medical conditions may benefit from one medication over another, depending on each case.What is the best medication for high blood pressure?
There is no one “best medication” for high blood pressure. When determining which medicine is best for a patient, the healthcare provider will consider several factors, such as other medical conditions, drug interactions, and side effects. Consult a healthcare provider for professional medical advice.Related resources for hypertension
- Facts about hypertension, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
- High blood pressure, American Heart Association
- High blood pressure medications, Medline Plus
- Hypertension, World Health Organization
- Understanding blood pressure readings, American Heart Association
- What is high blood pressure, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
- 5 natural ways to lower blood pressure, Penn Medicine