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By Melissa Tennen, HealthAtoZ writer
Those pills for your blood pressure or your cholesterol are a pain to remember. Besides, you feel fine. Why do you need them?
Well, for a very good reason - to stay healthy and alive. Just because high blood pressure and high cholesterol don't cause symptoms doesn't mean you don't need medication.
According the American Heart Association, tens of thousands of deaths, hospitalizations and slow recoveries from illness each year result from people not following their doctors' advice.
Medications can help you avoid a heart attack or stroke by slowing down the progression of hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis) and even reversing some of its harmful effects. The drugs may not change the way you feel, but they can save your life.
Call your doctor if you develop unpleasant side effects, but don't stop taking the medication on your own. Your doctor may adjust the dose or switch you to another medication. Don't be discouraged if you have side effects, such as stomach upset. It may take a while for your body to adjust and for the side effects to go away. Also, it may take months to find the right medication.
High blood pressure does not have a cure, so if you're on medication, you'll probably need to stay on it for the rest of your life. You can help reduce the need for medication by exercising, losing weight and eating right - consuming plenty of fruits and vegetables and reducing fat intake. Don't expect these good habits to necessarily eliminate your need for medication, but they can help lower blood pressure and cholesterol. You must take medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. It will work best if you take it correctly. When your doctor gives you a new prescription, ask what the medication is for and how it acts in your body.
If you have a problem remembering to take your medication, try these tips.
- Keep a chart of the different types of medication you take for your various conditions. Note when you are supposed to take them and at what dosage. Check off when you take the medication. Take the chart with you when you see the doctor.
- Take the medication with meals or during some other daily routine, like brushing your teeth. Get your doctor's OK first.
- Try a pill box that separates the pills according to days and times. Your pharmacy usually carries these.
- Tape reminders where you are likely to see them.
If the cost of the medication is a factor, tell your doctor. The medication may be available in generic form, which means it is the same as the brand name, but costs much less. You may also be able to get a higher dose at the same cost, but you may need to split the pill in half.
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External Sources
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The American Heart Association
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The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute
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This article was reviewed and updated June 2007.
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