The American Heart Association recently indicated in its updated guidelines that a person may not need medication if their systolic blood pressure reading ranges from 120 to 129 mmHg, with diastolic pressure at or below 80 mmHg, provided they adhere to healthy lifestyle modifications and continuous monitoring.

However, if the reading reaches 130/80 mmHg or higher, or if there are accompanying conditions such as diabetes, kidney disease, or heart disease, doctors recommend starting medication alongside lifestyle changes like reducing sodium intake, exercising, and losing weight. The guidelines also highlight that the choice of medication depends on the patient’s individual characteristics. For example, diuretics are often given as a first line of treatment and may be combined with ACE inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers, or calcium channel blockers, taking into account comorbidities, kidney function, and age.