Did You Take Your Blood Pressure Medicine Today?

When you miss a dose of your blood pressure medicine, you might not notice a difference. But your body does. Skipping your medicine can make your blood pressure go up. It can cause damage to your heart and blood vessels.

Taking your medicine at the same time every day will help keep your blood pressure at the right level and help your heart and blood vessels stay healthy. And knowing when and how to take your medicine will help make sure that it's working the way it should be. Here are some tips for taking your blood pressure medicine:

• Ask your doctor or pharmacist what time of day to take your medicine and whether you should take it with food.
• Consider setting a medicine alert on your phone or computer. There are many apps that can be used on a smart phone or tablet to help with medicine tracking and even refill reminders. You may find one that will work well for you and your lifestyle. You can also mark on a calendar when you take your medicine, so you know if you took it that day.
• Keep your medicine with something you use every day to remind you to take it. This might be with your toothbrush, coffee mug, or computer.
• Put a reminder note in a place you sit or on a door you open every day.
• Buy a pillbox that has a compartment for each day's pills.
• Don't forget refills. Every time you refill your medicine, mark a note on your calendar to remind you to pick up the next refill.
• Ask your doctor or pharmacist what to do if you miss a dose of your medicine. Don't double up doses to "catch-up" on your medicines for the day. This could cause a dangerous drop in your blood pressure.
• Never stop taking your medicine without talking with your doctor first. If your blood pressure readings are going down, it's because your medicine is working.
• Stick with your medicine plan long-term. Not doing so can increase your risk for heart disease and stroke. It's important to be honest with your health care team about your ability to take the medicine as prescribed.
• Track your blood pressure and heart rate. This is to see how your body responds to the medicine. Changes in your health status can also affect your blood pressure. Knowing what a normal trend for you will help in guiding your short-term and long-term treatment if changes happen.