Authored by Richard Gelb, MD
High blood pressure affects nearly half of U.S. adults, and deciding when to start medication can be complicated.
Blood pressure readings below 120/80 mmHg are considered normal. Consistently higher numbers—especially above 130/80—may indicate hypertension, a leading cause of heart disease and stroke.
As a cardiologist, I consider several factors before prescribing: how high the numbers are, whether there’s organ damage or other conditions such as diabetes or high cholesterol, and if lifestyle changes could bring the numbers down naturally.
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. I look at the whole picture.
If medicine is needed, treatment often begins with a single low-dose drug, with adjustments over time. Common types include diuretics, ACE inhibitors, ARBs, calcium channel blockers, and beta blockers. Many people need a combination for the best results.
And while there is a place for medication in treating high blood pressure, these medications work best alongside healthy habits like exercise, a balanced diet, and cutting back on salt.
The goal isn’t just lowering numbers; it’s protecting your heart, kidneys, and arteries for the long term.
To learn more about Dr. Gelb’s advice regarding high blood pressure, watch his recent interview on KUTV.
Dr. Richard Gelb, MD, FACC, is a board-certified Interventional Cardiologist at CommonSpirit Cardiology Mountain Point whose dedication to his field is reflected in his Fellowship in the American College of Cardiology (FACC).
