Sometimes, the last thing on a person’s mind is taking medicine. However, neglecting to take your blood pressure medication, whether it’s the result of forgetfulness or whether you don’t take it purposely, can have serious consequences on your health. When left untreated, high blood pressure can quickly lead to irreparable damage to the heart, a heart attack, stroke, and even death.
Despite the seriousness of high blood pressure, some people find that it’s easy to forget to take their medication. There are a number of reasons it’s easy to overlook or put off medication. These include:
Taking other medications at the same time. Sometimes, people on high blood pressure medication are taking a variety of other medications to control heart problems or other ailments. This can make it easy to overlook blood pressure medicine. One way to keep track of your medications is to make a checklist of each medication. Write down the name of the medication, the dosage, and what time it needs to be taken. That way, you can check off each medication as you take it.
Having to take blood pressure medication at certain times. This is especially difficult for those who have a hectic schedule or lead busy, active lives. One way to remember to take your blood pressure medication at the appropriate time is to use an alarm. Program your cell phone, watch, or alarm clock if you’re at home to go off whenever you need to take your medication.
Unsure of how t
to take the medication. Sometimes, medication comes with instructions on what you can and can take it with, when you should take it, and what you should avoid after taking it. These instructions can be so daunting it sometimes seems easier to just skip it. An easy way to handle this problem is to have your doctor write down the detailed instructions of your medication. You could also save the instructions that come with the medication when you pick it up from the pharmacy, and post it in an easily-accessible place.
Not feeling like you need to take it. There is a reason high blood pressure is called “the silent killer” – it often occurs without warning and without symptoms you can feel. Just because you can’t feel your blood pressure or just because you don’t feel like damage is being done to your body does not mean you can’t take your medication. When left unchecked, high blood pressure continually damages your body by causing the heart to work harder than necessary and narrowing the arteries in your body, which can lead to heart attack or stroke. Remembering to take your blood pressure medication can eliminate or reduce the chances of a heart attack or heart disease.
Giving up. Sometimes, people skip doses so often they feel it’s futile to try and take it anyway. This is a dangerous attitude that can lead to more serious problems.
Everyone forgets to take their medication from time to time. If you find yourself forgetting on a frequent basis, consider the following tips to help you remember to take your blood pressure medication:
Put your medication where you will see it every day, such as by your toothbrush or coffee maker.
Keep your medication in your purse, a locked drawer, of briefcase so you won’t forget it at home.
Post reminder notes on your mirror, in your planner, or in your office.
Set an alarm, on your watch, cell phone, or alarm clock to help you remember.
Try and take your medication at the same time each day.
With practice and little reminders, you’ll find that it’s easy to remember to take your blood pressure medication.