We forget several things daily, but it becomes concerning when it directly affects our health. This is particularly the case with people who often forget to take their medications on time.
In this article, we discuss the repercussions people with hypertension face when they miss taking their blood pressure medications. Blood pressure medications help keep blood pressure levels in control, which in turn avoids symptoms like severe headaches, dizziness, difficulty breathing, nausea, vomiting, blurred vision, and anxiety. Speaking with the OnlyMyHealth team, Dr Rajat Mohan, Co-Chairperson - Cardiology, Gangaram Hospital, New Delhi, shares ways to make up for a missed medication.
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How Forgetting A Blood Pressure Medication Can Affect Your Health
Missing a dose of two blood pressure medications may not pose a lot of risk. However, if you do so frequently, then it can affect your health in various ways.
According to WebMD, if you fail to take your BP pills as advised, it could increase your risk of a heart attack, stroke, kidney failure, and/or other complications. This was also established in a study published in the journal Patient Preference and Adherence. Researchers explored how not adhering to medications can affect health as well as cost more money. In fact, it can lead to more tests, stronger treatments that might not be needed, and more trips to the hospital, all of which drive up healthcare costs.
While high blood pressure may not always show signs, missing a few doses can lead to short-term issues like headaches, irritability, dizziness, and blurred vision.
What To Do If You Forget To Take Your Medication
Dr Mohan emphasises the importance of NEVER missing out on a blood pressure medication. But if that is the case, it is crucial that you avoid panic and stay calm, he advises. Here are a few ways to tackle a missed blood pressure medication:
Take it as soon as you remember
While it is always preferable to not miss a medication dose, if you do, you can take it as soon as you remember. However, ensure that you do not repeat it and keep a reminder.
Avoid doubling up the dose
You may think that you can cover up for a missed dose by doubling up while taking your next blood pressure medication. But that is the wrong approach, says Dr Mohan. Doing so can have adverse effects. So, if your next dose is just around the corner, skip the previous missed dose and return to the normal schedule.
Do not become anxious and relax
The key is to avoid anxiety and maintain calm. Dr Mohan says, "Your health can definitely get affected if the blood pressure really shoots up and it goes out of control. But during such times, it is important to relax and not get hyper about missing a dose. Because if you become very anxious, the blood pressure can go up really fast."
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How To Avoid Missing Your Medications
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To maintain your medication schedule, Dr Mohan recommends fixing a time in the morning at the breakfast table, after dinner, or between office hours, whichever suits you best.
Other strategies include:
- Setting an alarm
- Putting up sticky notes at visible sites
- Keeping your medications accessible and handy
- Ensure you refill your medications on time
Conclusion
Missing out on your blood pressure medication can take a toll on your health, especially if you do so frequently. However, if you have just missed it once or twice, there is no need to panic. Monitor your symptoms, take your medications as soon as you remember (but avoid doubling up on your dose if it’s close to the time for the next one), and set reminders so you do not repeat the same mistake.