$Unique_ID{BRK01137}
$Pretitle{Circulatory System}
$Title{Keep Taking Medication for High Blood Pressure}
$Subject{blood pressure symptoms medication}
$Volume{G-3}
$Log{
Blood Pressure*0009501.scf}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Keep Taking Medication for High Blood Pressure


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QUESTION:  A few months ago, I went to the doctor because I was having
headaches and felt dizzy.  I also got tired and short of breath easily.  She
told me that I had high blood pressure and prescribed some medication, which
I've been taking every day just like she told me to.  I feel much better now,
but the doctor said I should keep taking the medicine anyway.  Why?

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ANSWER:  It can be hard to understand why you have to take medicine when you
don't feel sick, but your doctor is right.  Most people who need medication to
control their high blood pressure will have to take it indefinitely.  Your
symptoms are not a reliable guide to your blood pressure.  In fact, one of the
biggest problems with hypertension is that most people don't have any symptoms
at all, especially in the early stages of the disease.  That's why
hypertension is called the "silent" killer.  It is possible that you had
elevated blood pressure for some time before you started having symptoms.
     Even if you feel normal, untreated hypertension puts a strain on your
heart, blood vessels, brain, and kidneys.  The heart has to work harder to
pump blood against abnormally high blood pressure.  This overwork can make the
heart's walls thicken, and the heart itself can become enlarged, and
eventually stop working.  In the brain, the blood vessels begin to
overstretch.  If they get too weak, they may burst, causing a "stroke" or
cerebrovascular accident.  A stroke can cause various degrees of paralysis.
The kidneys can also suffer, because their tiny arteries are damaged by high
blood pressure.  The kidneys can stop filtering out waste products from the
blood, resulting in sickness and even death.  These problems can develop, and
cause major organ damage, without causing any noticeable symptoms.  Luckily,
this damage can be prevented if blood pressure is controlled.  However, if
treatment is stopped, the blood pressure usually goes back up.  The key to
successful blood pressure control is your cooperation as a patient.  You
should take medications exactly the way they are prescribed.  It is important
to see your doctor at regular intervals so he or she can check your progress
and adjust your treatment if necessary.  You should also follow your doctor's
recommendations about diet, exercise, and life-style changes.  Sticking with
the treatment plan can add many healthy, happy, and comfortable years to your
life.
ÿ
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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
