The goal of treatment is to reduce your blood pressure, which will lower the risk of complications. The goal is blood pressure at least below 140/90 and below 130/80 if you have diabetes or kidney disease.

Whenever possible, the substance that caused your hypertension is discontinued. Adjustments may be made in medical therapy if current medications are causing hypertension and discontinuation of these drugs is not advisable.

Medications that may be used to modify blood pressure include:

• Diuretics
• Potassium replacements
• Beta blockers
• Calcium channel blockers
• Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors
• Angiotensin receptor blockers (ARB)
• Hydarlazine, doxazosin, and prazosin

Have your blood pressure checked at regular intervals (as recommended by your health care provider) to monitor its condition and response to treatment.

Lifestyle changes may be recommended, including such things as weight loss, exercise, avoidance of excess alcohol intake, and dietary adjustments.

• Heart attacks
• Congestive heart failure
• Other heart damage
• Blood vessel damage
• Kidney damage
• Stroke
• Loss of vision

If you have high blood pressure, you will have regularly scheduled appointments with your doctor.

In between appointments, if you have any of the following symptoms call your health care provider right away:

• Sever headache
• Excessive tiredness
• Confusion
• Visual changes
• Nausea and vomiting
• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Significant sweating