Managing your hypertension

Controlling your blood pressure is important in order to prevent serious health problems. Whether you have been newly diagnosed with hypertension or you have lived with hypertension for a long time, we're here to help. 

Blood_Pressure

What is hypertension?

High blood pressure is also known as hypertension. Managing your high blood pressure can prevent or delay serious health problems like heart attacks, strokes, blindness and kidney failure.

 Below are the categories of blood pressure, measured as systolic (top number)/diastolic (bottom number). 

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Normal

Lower than 120/80

100_Arrows_Up
Elevated
120-129/80 or higher
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Hypertension
Stage 1: 130-139/80-89
Stage 2: 140+/90+
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Hypertensive crisis

If your blood pressure reaches 180+/120+, call your doctor immediately.

Calendar
Take your medicines as prescribed
  • Know exactly how and when to take your medications.
  • Take your meds on time. Use notes or a smartphone app.
  • Have your medication with a small meal or snack to avoid side effects.
  • You may need to take the medications for a long time.
  • Talk to your doctor before stopping medications.
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Fill your medications on time
  • Set up automatic refills or refill reminders at your pharmacy,
  • Consider using our mail order pharmacy to get a three month supply of medications mailed to your home. Contact Cornerstone Health Solutions at 844-319-7588 to get started.
Pill_Bottle
Monitor your blood sugar levels
  • Blood sugar testing shows how well your medications are working or how your food intake, exercise or illnesses are affecting your blood sugar levels.
  • Check blood sugar levels using a blood glucose meter. Follow your doctor’s advice on how often you need to check your blood sugar level. Keep a record of your levels to discuss with them.
  • If you take insulin, check your blood sugar before meals and snacks as well as before and after exercise.
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Know your target blood sugar range

The American Diabetes Association recommends the following target blood sugar levels:

  • Before meals: 80-130mg/dl
  • Two hours after meals: Less than 180mg/dl
These goals vary based on your age and personal health. Ask your doctor what your specific target goal should be.

Tips for controlling your blood pressure

  • Ask your doctor what your specific blood pressure goal should be.
  • Use a home blood pressure monitor to check your blood pressure at home. If you are a MassHealth member and you don't have an automatic blood pressure monitor, ask your doctor to write you a prescription for one. WellSense covers most automatic blood pressure monitors at no cost to you.
  • Use free smartphone apps to record and track your blood pressure.
  • Follow these tips to measure your blood pressure at home

  • Try to include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy, poultry and fish, and nuts and legumes in your diet
  • Limit saturated and trans fats, alcohol, sodium, processed meats and added sugar
  • How to choose heart-healthy foods

Some WellSense plans offer reimbursements for WeightWatchers®. Find out more here. 

  • Remind yourself to take your medications as instructed by your doctor. Use a reminder note, an alarm on your smartphone or a free reminder app.
  • Fill your medications on time to avoid gaps in treatment.
  • Use our mail-order pharmacy, Cornerstone Health Solutions (844-319-7588), to have your medications delivered to your home.
  • Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you qualify for a 90-day supply of your medications, which can also be used with mail-order services.

 

 

Make sure regular exercise is part of your daily routine. Regular physical activity can help lower blood pressure.

Learn about your WellSense fitness benefits

 

Being overweight puts extra strain on your heart and increases your risk of having high blood pressure. 

How to maintain a healthy BMI


 If you smoke, stop. Don’t let anyone smoke around you, in your house or in your car. If you need help quitting smoking, call QuitWorks at 800-784-8669 or 800-833-1477 (TTY). 
care-manager

Need help managing your blood pressure?

Get personalized help managing your high blood pressure from a nurse or social worker through our Care Management program.
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