It is important to lower your blood pressure if it is too high to avoid serious problems, such as kidney failure, strokes, or a heart attack. In many cases, lifestyle changes can effectively lower blood pressure. These changes include losing weight, exercising more regularly, and following a certain type of diet. If these steps alone do not effectively lower your blood pressure within several months, your healthcare provider may recommend specific medications.
(Click Lowering Blood Pressure to learn more about the ways to lower your blood pressure through lifestyle changes or with medications. You can also click any of the links in the box to the right for specific information.)