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Stopping or skipping meds

Let's be honest: Taking pills is a pain. There can be side effects. And it's easy to forget your meds, especially if you feel fine.

"High blood pressure is called the silent killer because you don't feel it," Dr. Ostfeld says. "Saying you feel fine is not a justification for stopping these pills."

There are 30 types of high blood pressure medications, so there are choices if one isn't working, Dr. Hochman says. "If one medication doesn't work, we can try something else."

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