You must have heard about it but do you know what exactly it is? Hypertension or High Blood Pressure is known as the ‘silent killer’ as it shows no symptoms. But still, it keeps on damaging your heart, brain, kidneys and arteries over time. A normal blood pressure reading is 120/80 mmHg but if your reading is above 130/80 mmHg then its hypertension. 

You must know some people around you who skip their blood pressure medicine occasionally or entirely once they start feeling improvement. You might not see any harm in starting but it can trigger a domino effect of serious complications. 

Risks of high blood pressure:

High blood pressure reduces blood flow that results in the increasing strain on the heart which can lead to:

• Heart attacks
• Cognitive decline
• Vision Loss
• Strokes
• Kidney disease

These damages don’t show any symptoms in starting so consistent treatment is important. \

Common reasons given by people:

• Negligence
• I feel better now
• Side effects
• Cost
• Accessibility
• Inconsistent routine
• Forgetfulness

Why You Shouldn’t Skip Your Blood Pressure Medicine

You might not see these symptoms but skipping medication can result in:

1. Worsened Heart Health: Your heart should be healthy enough to fight against higher pressure. But if it has to work harder then it can lead to hypertension or a heart failure. 
2. Risk of Heart attack or stroke: In hypertension, your arteries take more strain. It results in the increase of plaque rupture, vessel damage or clots. 
3. Organ damage: Untreated blood pressure can damage your kidneys, eyes and the brain silently. 
4. Rebound hypertension: Don’t stop any medication without your doctor’s prescription. Suppose you are taking some medicines that can increase your blood pressure and stopping it suddenly can be life-threatening. 

How to stay consistent:

• Set reminders
• Use a pill organizer
• Maintain a BP journal 
• Get a support buddy

Alternative strategies: 

Only medication is not enough to live a healthy life. You must have a healthy lifestyle as well:

1. Say bye to salt: Use less or cut salt to reduce hypertension. Check hidden sodium in all foods you eat. 
2. Daily exercise: 30 minutes walk daily can help you to live a peaceful and healthy life. 
3. Weight Management: If you try to lose even 5-10% of your weight, you can get better blood pressure control. 
4. Quit alcohol and smoking: These both habits can damage your cardiovascular system and raise your blood pressure. So, quit these habits to treat hypertension. 
5. Manage stress: Regular or chronic stress leads to hormonal response. This disturbance leads to BP. So, try journaling, yoga, exercise or meditation. 

How skipping doses can affect your health?

If you think that you are fine and stop taking medicines, then it can affect the body like this: 

Within 24-48 hours: 

Depending on the medicine’s half-life, blood pressure may begin to creep up. 

Within 1 week:

• Increased heart rate
• Increased Arterial stiffness
• Increased blood vessels strain

After 1-3 months: 

• High risk of stroke, kidney dysfunction or stroke
• Normal exercises or stress can cause spikes. 

After 6+ months:

• Heart muscles or kidneys damage
• Hypertension emergency

Why it all matters:

Skipping blood pressure medicine won’t affect you immediately. Its like a slow poison that erodes your health from the inside out. Blood pressure medicine is not just a medicine, its like getting: 

• More years with your loved ones
• Less hospital risks
• Healthy kidneys, brain and heart
• Lower risk of stroke

Why every dose counts:

Every single dose is important even if it doesn’t show much effect immediately. Remember: 

1. Blood pressure meds work only when taken. So, its skipping undoes protection. Take your medicines daily, as prescribed by the doctor. 
2. High Blood Pressure doesn’t hurt until it strikes. Damages are always silent. 
3. Undoubtedly, pill burden and side effects can stop consistency but you can get counseling for motivation. 
4. You can use reminders, home-based tools or tech to get improved outcomes. 
5. A small change in behaviour needs reinforcement so go for regular review and support. 

Conclusion: You should keep in mind that skipping medicine is not just a habit, it’s a way to shorten your life. This might not show any symptoms but deep down, its already damaging your body organs. Medicines are never a burden, it can increase your lifeline. 

1. Set your reminders to take 1 pill/day. 
2. Home blood pressure monitoring machines can help you to track numbers and get real awareness. 
3. You can take help from your family, friends, apps or pharmacies. 

By taking medicine daily, you are choosing control over chaos. Investing in this way can double your life quality, and time with your family and loved ones by avoiding preventable crises. Remember, blood pressure medicines are never optional. It’s a life saver, a lifelong promise.