Treatment: General views and concerns
General views and concerns
A view shared by many people with high blood pressure (hypertension) was the dislike of taking tablets. Side effects were quoted as a prime inconvenience, and many had concerns whether the drugs were causing more damage than good.
Other problems stemmed from the expense of treatment and the need to go for repeat prescriptions at regular intervals.
One patient mentioned that as he was treated so well by the medical professions involved he didn't mind going for repeat prescriptions.
There was plenty of evidence that people would try to avoid tablets at all costs. The issue of 'self-help' was often raised and one person mentioned he would rather have pressure from his doctor to lose weight and reduce alcohol intake than take tablets.
One patient used a self monitor, changed his lifestyle, and was amazed at his success in reducing his blood pressure through natural methods. Many patients used medication if that was what the doctor recommended as essential.
One doctor mentioned a reduction of stress and change in diet would not have a significant effect on lowering blood pressure for those for whom it was very high.
For some of those with high blood pressure, when the right combination of drugs was found, treatment could act as a major relief. On the other hand it was mentioned that taking drugs could lead to such a lack of concern that people no longer felt the need to take regular exercise or improve their diet.
One person interviewed was keen to stress his view that it is important to enjoy life as much as possible, and to make the treatment as low profile as possible, treating it as part of a daily routine.
For more information on high blood pressure see NHS Choices and our Resources and Information section.
Last reviewed December 2011.
Last updated December 2011.
