By controlling your high blood pressure, you'll lower your risk of diseases like stroke, heart attack, heart failure and kidney disease. The first thing you can do is to have your blood pressure checked. If you have high blood pressure, you can do a lot to reduce it. Work with your doctor to determine the best treatment for you. Reducing your alcohol intake may be recommended.
Many medicines also can help reduce and control high blood pressure.
Your doctor will decide whether you need medicine in addition to dietary and lifestyle changes. Be sure to look at American Heart Association patient education sheets on high blood pressure. These can be printed out and taken to your physician. There are spaces for you to ask questions and for your physician to write special instructions for you. To access these information sheets, click here .