Stage 1 Hypertension Article

Treatment with medication

There are several medicines that can lower blood pressure. The one chosen depends on such things as: if you have other medical problems; if you take other medication; possible side-effects of the medicine; your age; your ethnic origin; etc. Some medicines work well in some people, and not so well in others. One or two medicines may be tried before one is found to suit.

One medicine reduces high blood pressure to the target level in less than half of cases. It is common to need two or more different medicines to reduce high blood pressure to a target level. In about a third of cases, three medicines or more are needed to get blood pressure to the target level. In some cases, despite treatment, the target level is not reached. However, although to reach a target level is ideal, you will benefit from any reduction in blood pressure. A separate leaflet called 'Medication for High Blood Pressure' gives more details.

Also: if your risk of heart disease and stroke is high you may also be advised to take:

Medication to lower your blood cholesterol level.

A daily low dose of aspirin. This reduces the risk of blood clots forming in the blood vessels