Dr. Joseph Ravenell, an internist at University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, says difficulties that arise in the high blood pressure medication regime often can be overcome when the doctor and patient cooperate.

"Never hesitate to ask your doctor," Ravenell says in a statement. "If cost or side effects is the reason for not taking your medications, let your doctor know. There are more than 100 medications to treat hypertension. By working together, you and your doctor can find something that is both tolerable and affordable."

If a dosage of too many pills is a problem, Ravenell says, the doctor may be able to reduce the pill count by combining medicines -- since some pills combine two medicines.

Ravenell also suggests patients:

-- Take medication the same time each day

-- Keep medications visible -- on the kitchen table or on the night stand -- since drugs hidden away in the medicine cabinet are easily forgotten.

-- Use a plastic pill organizer, available -- often for free -- from a pharmacy.

-- Set an alarm to help remember medication time or find other way -- or a person -- to help remember the medication schedule.