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Chronic Hypertension

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Dec 2, 2024.

What is chronic hypertension?

Hypertension is considered chronic when it continues for 3 months or longer. Hypertension that continues causes your heart to work much harder than normal, which may lead to heart damage. Even if you have hypertension for years, lifestyle changes, medicines, or both may help lower your blood pressure.

What do I need to know about the stages of hypertension?

Your healthcare provider will give you a blood pressure goal based on your age, health, and risk for cardiovascular disease. The following are general guidelines on the stages of hypertension:

Blood Pressure Readings

How is chronic hypertension treated?

Your healthcare provider may add, remove, or change any of the following medicines. Do not change or stop taking any of your current medicines without talking to your provider.

Treatment options

The following list of medications are related to or used in the treatment of this condition.

View more treatment options

What can I do to manage chronic hypertension?

What lifestyle changes can I make to lower my blood pressure?

Your healthcare provider may want you to make more lifestyle changes if you are having trouble controlling your blood pressure. This may feel difficult over time, especially if you think you are making good changes but your pressure is still high. It might help to focus on one new change at a time. For example, try to add 1 more day of exercise, or exercise for an extra 10 minutes on 2 days. Small changes can make a big difference. Your provider can also refer you to specialists such as a dietitian who can help you make small changes. Your family members may be included in helping you learn to create lifestyle changes, such as the following:

Ways to Lower Your Blood Pressure

Call your local emergency number (911 in the US) or have someone call if:

When should I seek immediate care?

When should I call my doctor or cardiologist?

Care Agreement

You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your healthcare providers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment. The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.