Keeping your blood pressure under control is one of the best ways to protect your heart, brain, and kidneys.
It helps lower the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and kidney problems. Many people take medicine every day to keep their blood pressure at a healthy level.
When their numbers are good, doctors are happy, and patients feel proud. But sometimes, after months or even years of good results, blood pressure starts to go up again. This can be confusing and frustrating.
Dr. Christopher Montgomery, an expert in blood pressure at UR Medicine, explains that this is actually quite common. Even when you take your medicine every day, your blood pressure can rise again for several reasons.
One big reason is salt. Salt can hide in many foods we eat—especially in processed or packaged meals, fast food, and restaurant dishes. Even some canned vegetables and soups contain a lot of salt. If you often add salt at the table, that’s another source.
Try reading food labels and aiming to eat less than five grams of salt a day. Eating more fresh fruits and vegetables helps reduce salt naturally. If you smoke, this might make things worse, because smoking can change your taste buds, making you want more salty flavors.
Another common cause is drinking too much coffee or other drinks with caffeine. A cup or two of coffee each day is usually fine, but drinking large amounts can push your blood pressure higher. If you’re drinking several large cups a day, try cutting back to see if your numbers improve.
Sometimes, other health problems are to blame. Conditions like an overactive thyroid, kidney disease, sleep apnea, or issues with your adrenal glands can all raise blood pressure. If your blood pressure keeps going up, your doctor may want to check for these hidden problems.
The time you take your medicine can also make a difference. If you take more than one medicine for blood pressure, try spreading them out—one in the morning and one in the evening.
This helps your body keep medicine in your system all day and night. Talk to your doctor before changing anything, but sometimes a small change in timing can really help.
Lastly, your body may simply need a different medicine or a higher dose. Over time, medications can become less effective, or your body’s needs might change. Your doctor may add a “water pill” (called a diuretic) to help your body get rid of extra fluid and lower blood pressure.
Most people see improvements by combining changes in daily habits—like eating less salt or drinking less caffeine—with adjustments to their medication. If your blood pressure is creeping up, it doesn’t mean you’ve done something wrong. It just means it’s time to take a closer look and make a few changes with the help of your doctor.
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