Using a Tuesday Thursday Sunday Tuesday Thursday schedule or a Monday Wednesday Saturday's Monday Wednesday schedule makes it easier to calculate percentages based on 10 readings and it isimportant to give the medications time to work. It takes 10 or more days to equilibrate blood drug levels. So, a 10-to-20-day evaluation period is helpful before adjusting medications.

These are based on different risks. Patients with previous heart attack or stroke do better with blood pressures lower than 130/80. Females with aSystolic blood pressure reading between 110-119 have the same MI and heart failure risk as a male with a systolic blood pressure of 160. Your doctor will choose the appropriate blood pressure goal for your situation.

The two main problems are 1) Lifestyle issues like diet, exercise, street drugs, smoking and alcohol and 2) Compliance- meaning taking your medications regularly over long periods of time when you do not feel bad from the hypertension but may have side effects from the medication. You are trying to avoid the long-term effects of hypertension: stroke,heart attack, heart failure, renal failure, Atrial Fibrillation, and vascular dementia. For example, nearly 60% of heart failure in females could be eliminated, if BP is controlled, 17% of heart attacks could be avoided, roughly 50% of strokes would disappear.

Lifestyle issues can be important. You can lower your blood pressure by losing weight, exercising regularly, or doing meditation, yoga, etc. Avoid smoking, excess salt, street drugs and alcohol. Certain over-the-counter drugs like Motrin, Naproxen, Indomethacin, oral contraceptives, steroids, etc. can elevate your BP. So, let your doctor know if you are taking any over the counter medications or herbal remedies. Foods like blueberries, walnuts. asparaguscan help lower your BP.