High blood pressure symptoms: Taking THIS dose of medication could reduce side effects

The researchers found that combining drugs to treat high blood pressure at a lower dose may be just as effective as using standard doses.

But, importantly, they discovered that this method reduced side effects.

These include weakness, feeling dizzy, insomnia, headaches and muscle cramps.

The study, published in the journal Hypertension, concluded that it may be a better way to treat patients than a full, single standard dose.

The researchers looked at the data of just over 20,000 people – with an average age of 54 – who were on various doses of medication or no medication.

Of those taking medication, some took a standard full dose and some took a quarter-dose, while others took two drugs at quarter dose, or four drugs at quarter-dose.

Researchers discovered that two medications in combination was just as effective as a standard dose of blood pressure-lowering medication. 

But four different medications of a quarter dose each were actually almost twice as effective as the normal dose.

Additionally, in the study,  side effects from the single and dual quarter dose therapies were the same as the placebo and much less from a standard dose.

They looked at the five main types of drugs used to treat hypertension.

These include ACE inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers, beta blockers, calcium channel blocker and thiazides.

However, while the findings are promising, more research needs to be done before there is a change in how doctors prescribe blood pressure-lowering treatment.

Anthony Rodgers, professor at The George Institute for Global Health, University of New South Wales in Sydney, said: “This new approach to treatment needs more research before it can be recommended more widely.

“The findings have not yet been tested in large long-term trials. People should not reduce the doses of their current medications.”

Hypertension causes the heart and blood vessels to work harder and less efficiently.

If left untreated, it could lead to a heart attack, stroke or kidney failure.

Aside from medication, other ways to manage and prevent high blood pressure include exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, eating healthily, drinking alcohol in moderation and avoiding smoking.