The goal of treatment is to keep the top number below 140 and the bottom number below 90. In a person with diabetes , the goal is to keep the top number below 130 and the bottom number below 85. For an individual with heart disease or kidney disease, the goal is to get the blood pressure as low as can be tolerated. The side effects of treatment of high blood pressure vary according to the medications used. Beta-blockers can worsen asthma .
Diuretics can cause dehydration and salt imbalance .
Calcium channel blockers can cause swelling of the legs , as well as a higher risk of heart attack and congestive heart failure . ACE inhibitors may lead to chronic dry cough . A person who has high blood pressure needs to continue to take the prescribed medications daily. Blood pressure may return to normal as a result of lifestyle changes. These changes include weight loss , increased physical activity, reduction of alcohol intake, and a diet low in sodium .