Blood Pressure Medicine and Control Definitions How important is my medicine in controlling blood pressure? What do blood pressure numbers mean? It’s important to take your medication as prescribed by your doctor so that you can The higher number (systolic) is the pressure reach your goals and enjoy better health. If when the heart beats (heart muscle contracts). you experience side effects, talk to your The lower number (diastolic) is the pressure doctor. It takes a team effort to treat high when the heart relaxes between beats. In blood pressure successfully. addition, your heart rate (or pulse) can be a useful number because it can be affected by When to Call for Help some blood pressure medications. The average Below are general tips on when to call for resting heart rate is 60 to 80 beats per minute, help. Your doctor may have different goals but it can vary depending on fitness and age. for you to follow. Please review your personal plan with your doctor. Blood Pressure Goals (systolic/diastolic) If your blood pressure reading is 180/120 or higher, wait five minutes and check it again. If it is still that high, seek medical help right away. Most adults will have a blood pressure goal of less than 130/80 If your reading is 180/120 or higher and you have chest pain, shortness of breath, back pain, numbness/weakness, vision changes or Ask your doctor about your individual blood trouble speaking, call 9-1-1 right away. pressure goal.

If your blood pressure is running lower than CVS Caremark® is an independent company that provides pharmacy Managing normal, and you are having dizziness, nausea, benefit management services for the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Service lightheadedness, fainting, dehydration, Benefit Plan. trouble concentrating, cold clammy pale skin, CVS Caremark does not operate the websites/organizations listed here, Your High nor is it responsible for the availability or reliability of their content. blurry vision, fast shallow breathing, fatigue These listings do not imply or constitute an endorsement, sponsorship or depression, let your doctor know. or recommendation by CVS Caremark. Blood This information is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment. Talk to your doctor or health care provider about this information and any health-related questions you have. CVS Caremark assumes no liability Pressure whatsoever for the information provided or for any diagnosis or treatment made as a result of this information. Your privacy is important to us. CVS Caremark employees are trained regarding the appropriate way to handle your private health information. ©2020 CVS Caremark. All rights reserved. 106-23695B 051220 Lifestyle Changes Even if you do not add extra salt to your meal, A few tips before you begin: many foods can be high in sodium including • Don’t smoke, exercise or drink caffeinated How can I manage my high soups, condiments, tomato sauces, canned beverages within 30 minutes before you blood pressure? foods and prepared meals. take your blood pressure readings When buying packaged foods, be sure to read • Sit down for 5 minutes before taking Find Your BMI the labels including the Nutrition Facts panel that the reading Talk with your doctor about an appropriate will tell you the amount of sodium in milligrams • Your upper arm should be bare weight for your age and height. Body mass (mg) in each serving. If you are considering • Monitor use of over-the-counter (OTC) index (BMI) is an important gauge used in using a salt substitute, talk to your health care medications. These may increase blood • Support and rest your arm at heart level pressure and interfere with your blood weight management. A BMI more than 25 is provider first because it may interact with your • Your back should be straight and supported associated with high blood pressure and other medications. pressure medications. Talk to your pharmacist health conditions. Both you and your health before choosing OTC medications such as • Your feet should be flat on the floor care provider should track your BMI. Exercise Your Options decongestants, herbal supplements and • Write down all of your measurements, Just 30 minutes of moderate physical activity non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs including date and time Change Your Diet most days of the week can help lower blood (such as ibuprofen or naproxen). Hypertension Management Program It’s also important to limit the fat, cholesterol and pressure. Activities such as gardening, raking salt in your diet, and to include several servings leaves, or shoveling snow can be as beneficial Blue Cross and Blue Shield Service Benefit of whole grains, fruits and vegetables daily. as regular exercise such as walking, running or Checking Blood Plan members diagnosed with hypertension may be eligible to receive a blood pressure Achieve these healthy eating habits by swimming. Remember to talk with your doctor Pressure at Home monitor at no cost through the Hypertension Managing High following the Dietary Approaches to Stop before starting an exercise program. Management Program. Hypertension (DASH) diet and reducing your Other Lifestyle Changes What is the proper way to check Blood Pressure sodium intake. The DASH diet consists of my blood pressure at home? Having a blood pressure monitor at home • Limit alcohol. Even if you are healthy, alcohol can gives you the convenience to check your blood The effects of high blood pressure can be fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fish, poultry, raise your blood pressure. If you choose to drink The AHA recommends an automatically serious, and include an increased risk for nuts and low-fat dairy products. It emphasizes pressure as often as your doctor recommends alcohol, do so in moderation – up to one drink a inflatable monitor with a cuff that is applied on heart disease and stroke. less red meat, sodium and sweets. This and easily track your numbers, which you can diet is endorsed by many respected health day for women and two drinks a day for men. the upper arm (bicep). Wrist and finger monitors share with your doctor. Even though your doctor may have prescribed organizations including the American Heart One standard “drink” is 12 ounces of beer, should be avoided because they can be less medicine to treat your high blood pressure, Eligible members can receive a new blood Association (AHA). Find a complete DASH 5 ounces of wine or 1.5 ounces of hard liquor. accurate. Measure your upper arm in order to making lifestyle changes can also help pressure monitor every two years. You must be eating plan at: www.heart.org. • Don’t smoke. Tobacco injures blood vessel choose the appropriate size and assure that the you reach your blood pressure goal. These 18 years or older to be eligible for this program. walls and increases hardening of the arteries. cuff fits appropriately. changes include losing weight, eating a Reduce Your Sodium Intake If you smoke, ask your doctor to help you quit. A monitor with a digital display is easier to To get started, visit fepblue.org/ healthier diet, reducing your salt intake, A diet high in sodium can lead to increased highbloodpressure to learn more. • Manage stress. Reduce stress as much as read. Some monitors also measure heart rate, exercising regularly, and limiting the amount blood pressure. The AHA recommends a possible. Practice healthy coping techniques which is good information to share with your of alcohol you drink. Each person’s blood dietary sodium goal of no more than 2,300 mg such as muscle relaxation and deep breathing. health care provider. Be sure to bring your blood pressure goal can be different, so discuss your daily, with an ideal limit of less than 1,500 mg personal blood pressure goal with your doctor. pressure monitor to your doctor’s office once a per day for most adults. Even without achieving year to calibrate your machine to your doctor’s these goals, reducing sodium intake by at least equipment. 1,000 mg per day lowers blood pressure.