NEW: Express access to COVID-19 vaccine record is now available.

The MyHealth.Alberta.ca Network showcases trusted, easy-to-use health and wellness resources from Alberta Health Services and Alberta-based partner organizations. The network is led by MyHealth.Alberta.ca, Alberta’s source for consumer health information. Our partners are committed to helping Albertans better manage their health and wellbeing. Health experts across Alberta make sure that the information on these sites is accurate and up-to-date. Our partners include

MyHealth.Alberta.ca Network
Health Information and Tools > Healthy Living >  Taking Blood Pressure Medicine: How Others Decided

Main Content

Taking Blood Pressure Medicine: How Others Decided

Taking Blood Pressure Medicine: How Others Decided (00:01:22)
Video Transcript

Look ... I don't smoke, I'm a runner, and I'm kind of a fanatic about eating healthy.

But my blood pressure keeps getting higher.

Not much more I can do except start taking blood pressure pills.

Yeah, I'm kind of bummed about that, but I sure don't want to take any chances with my health.

My blood pressure's going up, but not so high that I have to take pills right now.

So I've started eating better and getting regular exercise, and I'm going to keep that up for a while and see if my pressure comes down.

My doctor thinks I might be able to get my blood pressure down by losing weight.

And I'm sure gonna give that a try.

But I need to feel like I'm doing everything I can to stay healthy, so I'm also going to start taking pills.

I'm not ready to deal with medicine side effects ...

like my mom did when she first started taking her blood pressure pills.

My doctor says it's okay to wait 3 more months to try and lose a little weight.

If my blood pressure's still high then, I'll start taking the pills.

Like the people you've just heard from, you have your own feelings about the pros and cons of taking blood pressure medicine.

It's important to share those feelings with your doctor, so that the two of you can talk them over ...

combine them with the medical facts ...

and choose the best treatment for you.

Current as of: July 31, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Ignite Healthwise, LLC disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions. Image is used for illustrative purposes only and any person depicted is a model.

Current as of: July 31, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.