High blood pressure
Nearly half of American adults have high blood pressure — and many don't know it. It rarely causes symptoms, but over time it quietly damages arteries and forces the heart to work harder, raising the risk of heart attack, stroke, and kidney disease. It is also one of the most treatable chronic conditions: with the right medication and consistent follow-up, most people bring their numbers under control and keep them there.
Readings in mmHg (systolic / diastolic). A single high reading isn't a diagnosis — your provider looks at the pattern over time.
Understanding your numbers
A blood pressure reading has two numbers: systolic (the pressure when your heart beats) over diastolic (the pressure between beats). A healthy reading is below 120/80. Readings of 130/80 or higher are considered high under current American Heart Association guidelines. Because blood pressure varies during the day, diagnosis and follow-up rely on repeated measurements — not a single reading.
How it is treated
Treatment usually starts with lifestyle changes — less sodium, more movement, better sleep. When that is not enough, doctors prescribe medication from one or more families, each working differently: ARBs and ACE inhibitors relax blood vessels, calcium channel blockers ease the force of the heartbeat, beta-blockers slow the heart rate, and diuretics help the body eliminate excess fluid. Many people need a combination of two medications at low doses rather than one at a high dose. Your doctor determines which approach fits your case.
Living with hypertension
Blood pressure medication only works while you take it — feeling fine means the treatment is working, not that it is time to stop. A home monitor, a consistent daily routine, and refilling on time make the biggest difference. A pharmacist can show you how to measure correctly at home and answer questions about your medication in English, Spanish, or Portuguese.
Most people feel nothing at all
Because hypertension is usually silent, checking your numbers matters more than waiting for symptoms.
Signs to pay attention to
When pressure does climb very high, your body can send signals worth listening to:
When to act now
A reading of 180/120 or higher — especially with chest pain, trouble breathing, sudden weakness, or difficulty speaking — is a medical emergency. Call 911. This page is for ongoing care, not emergencies.
Available medications
Losartan
Generic for Cozaar
An ARB that relaxes blood vessels to lower pressure.
Lisinopril
Generic for Zestril
An ACE inhibitor, one of the most widely prescribed first-line treatments.
Amlodipine
Generic for Norvasc
A calcium channel blocker that eases the workload on the heart.
Metoprolol
Generic for Lopressor
A beta-blocker that slows and steadies the heart rate.
Hydrochlorothiazide
Generic for Microzide
A diuretic that helps the body eliminate excess fluid and sodium.
Frequently asked questions
Most cases develop gradually from a mix of factors: family history, age, excess weight, high-sodium diets, stress, and low physical activity. In some cases it is linked to another condition or medication, which is why a medical evaluation matters.
Usually not — that is why it is called a silent condition. Headaches or nosebleeds generally appear only at dangerously high levels. The only reliable way to know your blood pressure is to measure it.
Because the medication families work through different mechanisms, combining two at lower doses is often more effective and better tolerated than one at a high dose. Your doctor decides whether a combination is right for you.
Blood pressure typically rises back within days or weeks, often without any warning signs. Never stop or pause treatment on your own — if cost, side effects, or routine are getting in the way, talk to your doctor or ask a pharmacist for guidance.
Most doctors recommend measuring at the same time each day, seated and rested, and keeping a simple log to share at appointments. A pharmacist can help you choose a home monitor and check your technique.
General frequently asked questions
Yes. Every prescription medication on this site requires a valid prescription from a licensed healthcare provider. Send us your prescription (e-Rx, fax, or a call to your prescriber), or transfer it from your current pharmacy.
Yes. Simply provide the name and phone number of your current pharmacy, and the transfer is handled for you — usually within 2 business days.
Prescriptions issued abroad cannot be dispensed directly. However, if you are already on treatment, a pharmacist can review your case and guide you through obtaining a valid U.S. prescription so your therapy continues without interruption.
No. Only your doctor or prescriber can change your treatment. Pharmacists are available to answer questions about your medication and coordinate with your prescriber when needed.
At either of our pharmacies — Boca Raton or Pompano Beach. You pay at the pharmacy when you pick up.
Yes. Chronic oral medications are eligible for a discounted 90-day supply, available on each product page.
This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your doctor or a qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical condition or medication. Prescription medications are dispensed only with a valid prescription issued by a licensed healthcare provider.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Torre, PharmD, RPh — Pharmacist-in-Charge, Florida License PS40009