High blood pressure, diabetes, arthritis and other chronic diseases, patients get a prescription, often ask “the effect of this drug how”, the doctor’s answer is often “first eat for a period of time to say”. This is not irresponsible doctors, but because of the impact of the role of drugs are too many factors, the doctor must be observed for a period of time in order to come to a conclusion. Lifestyle habits. “Each person’s liver and kidney function, genetics, and even lifestyle habits can affect a doctor’s choice of medication.” Dr. Martha Gray, an evidence-based medicine expert at Oregon Health Sciences University, explains that for mild hypertension, for example, for overweight or mildly obese patients, if they exercise consistently, eat right, and lose 5-10 pounds, their blood pressure will likely return to normal. Used medications. Sometimes, increased blood pressure is caused by taking certain medications. For example, a Harvard Medical School survey found that people who took antipyretic and analgesic medications such as acetaminophen for long periods of time doubled their risk of getting high blood pressure. Telling your doctor about your medication history not only helps him or her find the cause of your condition, but also makes it easier for him or her to prescribe the medication that’s best for you. For example, if you haven’t taken antihypertensive medication before, then the first thing to consider is lowering your blood pressure with a diuretic. These drugs work by promoting sodium excretion, which reduces vascular tone. Gray says, “Many hypertensive patients can lower their blood pressure to 130/90 mm Hg, or even more desirably 120/80 mm Hg, using only diuretics, with few side effects.” Got the disease. If diuretics alone are not effective in lowering blood pressure, consider combining other medications. At this point, whether you’ve had other diseases can affect medication choices. For example, people who also have diabetes or kidney disease should prioritize the addition of an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor, which can protect the kidneys. Changes in disease. Although hypertension is a “chronic disease”, an acute attack can be life-threatening. Therefore, it is important to be informed of any changes in your condition. Once the systolic blood pressure reaches 160 mmHg or the diastolic blood pressure reaches 100 mmHg, a combination of medications is needed to rapidly lower the blood pressure. In hypertensive patients with coronary artery disease, beta-blockers that slow the heart rate can be added to diuretics.