Do I need to take antihypertensive medication for a blood pressure of 130/90

Whether to take antihypertensive medication for blood pressure of 130/90mmHg depends on individual circumstances. If no other risk factors or target organ damage are present, it is usually recommended to first control blood pressure through lifestyle interventions; If there are complications such as diabetes and chronic kidney disease, drug intervention may be required. For individuals with a simple blood pressure of 130/90mmHg and no other health issues, non pharmacological management is recommended as a priority. Keep the daily intake of sodium salt below 5 grams and increase the intake of potassium rich vegetables and fruits such as bananas and spinach. Perform 150 minutes of moderate intensity aerobic exercise per week, such as brisk walking or swimming. Losing 5-10 kilograms of weight for overweight individuals can lead to a decrease in systolic blood pressure by 5-20mmHg. At the same time, it is necessary to avoid staying up late, quit smoking and limit alcohol consumption, and relieve mental stress through meditation or Ba Duan Jin. Regularly monitor blood pressure changes and record morning and bedtime readings.

When combined with diabetes, coronary heart disease and other diseases, or when there is left ventricular hypertrophy, proteinuria and other target organ damage, drug treatment should be started under the guidance of doctors. Common protocols include calcium channel blockers such as amlodipine besylate tablets and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors such as enalapril maleate tablets. Traditional Chinese medicine supplements such as Tianma Gouteng granules or Du Zhong Jiangya tablets can be considered, but they cannot replace Western medicine. Patients with gestational hypertension or secondary hypertension should undergo specialized evaluation and avoid self medication.

It is recommended to recheck dynamic blood pressure monitoring every 3 months to evaluate the control effect. During medication, if there are adverse reactions such as ankle swelling or dry cough, timely follow-up visits should be made to adjust the plan. Individuals with long-term blood pressure at critical levels should undergo regular examinations of the fundus, urinary microalbumin, and carotid artery ultrasound to detect early signs of vascular disease.