More ways to reduce high blood pressure

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Treatment with medication

When is drug treatment started for high blood pressure? Drug treatment to lower blood pressure is usually advised for:

All people who have a blood pressure that remains at 160/100 mmHg or above after a trial of any lifestyle changes, where relevant.
People with a blood pressure that remains at 140/90 mmHg or above after a trial of any lifestyle changes, where relevant AND who have:
Diabetes, or
An existing cardiovascular diseases, or
A 2 in 10 risk (or more) of developing a cardiovascular disease within the next 10 years (as described above).
People with a blood pressure of 130/80 mmHg or more who have certain diseases. For example, people who have certain complications from diabetes, people who have had a recent heart attack, stroke or TIA (transient ischaemic attack). Also, some people with certain chronic (ongoing) kidney diseases.

What is the target blood pressure to aim for? If you are taking medication to lower high blood pressure:

If you are otherwise well but are diagnosed with high blood pressure then the target is to reduce blood pressure to below 140/85. This target generally applies to people who have a 2 in 10 risk (or more) of developing a cardiovascular disease within the next 10 years but who have not developed any disease.
In some cases, the target is to get the blood pressure below 130/80 mmHg. This generally applies to people who have diseases where very good blood pressure control is important. This includes:
People who have a cardiovascular disease.
People with diabetes.
People who have a chronic kidney disease.

Your GP or practice nurse will advise you what your target blood pressure is.