Don't Fear The Pill

Worried about the medication you have been prescribed to manage your blood pressure? We address common myths to help you feel confident about your prescription, control your blood pressure and protect your heart.

I have been prescribed three different medications for my blood pressure. This means that I can take medicine A on the first day, medicine B on the second day and medicine C on the third day.

MYTH It is important to understand the roles of the medication you have been prescribed, rather than making your own decisions. Sometimes the medications are used for multiple reasons beyond blood pressure, although managing blood pressure is their most common use. If you think you are experiencing side effects, or are concerned about drug interactions, talk to your prescriber rather than changing the way you have been instructed to take your medications. It is important to see your prescriber as your partner in optimising your health.

As some foods and drinks may interact with high blood pressure medication, we should avoid them.

FACT Look for hidden sources of sodium and avoid adding these additives to your everyday diet. These include sauces such as ketchup and chilli sauce, gravies and sauces in dishes from economy rice stalls, processed foods such as instant noodle, soup mixes and canned foods, and even condiments like wasabi. Grapefruit juice, taken in large quantities, can increase the blood levels of certain medications and make their side effects more pronounced. Check with your pharmacist if you have any concerns.

The side effects of high blood pressure medication seem too intimidating. I fear that I will become too dependent on them. Should I really start taking prescription medicines?

MYTH Blood pressure medicines are safe in general. Your prescriber would have made plans to monitor your condition after starting these medications. Poorly-controlled blood pressure can lead to kidney problems, blindness, stroke and heart failure. Maintaining a blood pressure of less than 130/85 mmHg can reduce the risk of such complications. Rather than viewing it as relying on medications, consider it as a means to achieve blood pressure goals and prevent severely debilitating diseases like kidney disease and blindness. If you are concerned about the side effects, have a conversation with your prescriber to understand how they will monitor the effects of the medications after you start taking them.

Article is contributed by A/Prof Doreen Tan, Cardiology Specialist Pharmacist at the National University Heart Centre, Singapore (NUHCS), and Faculty Advisor at the NUS Pharmacy Dept Pre-Employment Clinical Training (PECT).

Watch experts address myths and facts about hypertension here: