If your doctor prescribes blood pressure medication, take it exactly as prescribed. Never stop using a blood pressure medicine or make adjustments without checking with your doctor. Many medications are available for treating high blood pressure. Your doctor can provide you with more information about the choices. Sometimes it takes a while to work out the best treatment plan, so don't be discouraged if blood pressure doesn't drop immediately.
Blood pressure tends to be higher at the doctor's office than at other times.
To check this out, many physicians suggest that their patients monitor blood pressure at home. However, this is sometimes awkward, and stethoscopes can be tricky to use. Electronic blood pressure monitors that do not require use of a stethoscope work best for most people. Some physicians recommend that you use a monitor that pumps up the cuff automatically. These monitors are a bit more expensive, but when you pump the cuff yourself, the simple act of pumping can affect blood pressure.