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Compliance with blood pressure medications: A vital step in stroke prevention

Stroke Photo File photo

Mon, 3 Jun 2024 Source: Simon Badu, Contributor

One of the main causes of mortality and disability in the world is stroke; however, many of these instances can be avoided with appropriate treatment of high blood pressure, or hypertension.

People who are taking blood pressure drugs must carefully follow their treatment regimens.

Because it usually does not show any signs until serious harm has been done, hypertension is sometimes referred to as the "silent killer." By maintaining blood pressure within a safe range, regularly taking prescribed medicines can greatly lower the risk of stroke. This lessens the workload on the heart while also shielding the arteries from harm.

A prevalent problem is non-compliance with drug regimens. While some people may experience negative effects or forget to take their prescription, others may stop taking it because they feel “great.” On the other hand, stopping or suddenly taking blood pressure medicine can cause severe blood pressure increases, which raises the risk of stroke and other cardiovascular problems.

It is impossible to exaggerate the significance of routine medical exams. During these visits, medical professionals can check blood pressure, change prescriptions as needed, and handle any issues or side effects.

Furthermore, healthy lifestyle choices like stopping smoking, maintaining a balanced diet, getting regular exercise, and consuming less alcohol all enhance the benefits of medicine.

Campaigns for education and community awareness may be quite effective in promoting compliance. Patients should have discussions with pharmacists and other healthcare professionals on the advantages of adhering to their drug regimens and get helpful advice for maintaining their health.

In the end, following a doctor's prescription for blood pressure medicine is a straightforward yet effective way to prevent fatal strokes and their crippling effects. Let us commit to a healthy future by ensuring we adhere to our doctor's recommendations and keep lines of communication open with them.

Source: Simon Badu, Contributor