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.

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.
Pill_Bottle
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.
Moms_Meals
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

031_Place_Setting
Eat heart-healthy foods and a low-salt diet
  • 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

109_Housing
Monitor your blood pressure at home
  • 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 don't have one, ask your doctor.
  • Use free smartphone apps to record and track your blood pressure.

Follow these tips to measure your blood pressure at home

038_Pharmacy_Pill_Bottle
Take your medications as prescribed
  • Remind yourself to take your medications. Use a reminder note, an alarm on your smartphone, or free reminder apps.
  • Fill your medications on time.  Get a three-month supply from your local pharmacy or our mail order pharmacy, Cornerstone Health Solutions (844-319-7588)

 

016_Running_Shoe
Get regular exercise

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

Learn about your WellSense fitness benefits

110_Weight_Manage
Maintain a healthy body mass index (BMI)

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

How to maintain a healthy BMI

079_Hand_Stop
Stop smoking and avoid secondhand smoke
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.
Learn more or sign up

Helpful resources