My Blood Pressure Medicine Medicines and treatment HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE

The good news story

My name is What do I need to ask my Aboriginal Health
Worker, nurse, doctor or pharmacist? Your doctor or Aboriginal Health
[ hypertension ]
Worker can help you manage high
My blood pressure medicine is called • What is my medicine for? blood pressure.
• How will I feel? The earlier high blood pressure is
• What check-ups do I need? detected and treated, the less damage
Active ingredient
there will be to the heart, brain, kidneys
• How many tablets do I need to take? and eyes.
• How many times a day do I need
I need to take tablets in the to take my medicine?
morning
• How long do I need to take my
tablets at medicine for? You may not be aware that your blood
midday • What do I do if I miss a dose? pressure is high. Even young people
can suffer from high blood pressure.
tablets at sunset • What do I do if I feel unwell or dizzy?
(dinner) It is good to have your blood pressure
checked regularly at your clinic.
tablets at night Remember
(bedtime)
• It is important not to share
your medicines.
• Take old medicines back
to the clinic. *

• Keep medicines away from children. *Funded by the Australian Government

Your clinic: Department of Health and Ageing

• Not all medicines are safe

to take while you are pregnant
or breastfeeding.
• Not all medicines can be
taken together.
• Refill your prescription
before you run out.
WHAT CAN I DO ABOUT IT?
ISBN: 978-1-921748-04-2 CON-106
©2010 National Heart Foundation of Australia, National Prescribing Service Limited, National Aboriginal Community Controlled
Health Organisation and Aboriginal Health Council of SA Inc.
Good Medicines Better Health
Terms of use: This material has been developed for general information and educational purposes only. It does not constitute
medical advice. Please consult your healthcare provider if you have, or suspect you have, a health problem. The entire contents
of this material are subject to copyright protection.

Illustrations: Sonny Keeler and Julie Taylor, JAT Illustrational

What is high blood pressure? About high blood pressure: Who is likely to get Things I can do about ✓
The heart pumps blood around the body • It usually has no symptoms. high blood pressure? high blood pressure
through arteries. Blood pressure is the • It can speed up blocking of the arteries, Men and women who: 1. Have regular check ups
pressure, or force, of the blood pushing which can damage the:
against the walls of the arteries. • Smoke 2. Change daily lifestyle
• Heart – leading to heart attacks
• Don’t get enough physical activity
We all need blood pressure to push blood • Brain – leading to stroke If you smoke:
• Eat too much fat and salt
around our body. • Kidneys – leading to kidney trouble • Smoke less –
• Drink too much alcohol aim to QUIT
and dialysis
When blood pressure is too high for too long, • Are overweight
it can cause some damage to the body. • Eyes – leading to eye Physical activity

✗
trouble and blindness • Aim to walk around
Doctors and medical people call high blood for at least 30 minutes
pressure HYPERTENSION. Brain each day
Eyes If you drink alcohol:
• Drink less alcohol
• Drink water in between
alcoholic drinks ✓
• Have a break from
Heart
alcohol for 1-2 days
each week
Kidneys Food

✓ • Eat more fruit,

vegetables, fish
and lean meat
• Eat less fat
People with • Eat less salt in
a family history and on food
of high blood
pressure are at 3. Know how to manage
increased risk. your medicine
• Take your medicines
every day