Does blood pressure medicine need to be taken forever?

Blood pressure medication is often a lifelong commitment because it manages a chronic condition, but for some, lifestyle changes (diet, exercise, weight loss) can significantly lower blood pressure, potentially allowing doctors to reduce doses or stop medication; however, never stop taking prescribed blood pressure medicine without consulting your doctor, as it can cause dangerous spikes and serious health issues like heart attack or stroke.

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Can you ever get off blood pressure medication?

Most blood pressure medications should be stopped in a slow, gradual manner. They shouldn't be stopped abruptly. Always talk to your healthcare provider before stopping or changing how you take any blood pressure medications.

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Do I need to take blood pressure medication forever?

If you start taking blood pressure medications, it's likely that you will need to take them for the long term. If you stop taking them, your blood pressure will quickly rise again. Your blood pressure medicines will keep your blood pressure under control and stop you developing serious health problems.

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Can blood pressure med cause diarrhea?

Losartan is a commonly prescribed anti-hypertensive. Severe, chronic diarrhea with substantial weight loss can occur after long term Losartan use.

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How to tell when you no longer need blood pressure medication?

120 to 129/less than 80 (Elevated): You probably don't need medication. Your blood pressure is higher than you want, but it's not full-on high blood pressure. Unless you also have another health condition -- like kidney disease or heart problems -- your doctor will likely say you don't need drugs for now.

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The CORRECT way to treat high blood pressure

37 related questions found

Can we stop BP medicine if BP is normal?

Stopping the medication abruptly without medical supervision is not advised as it can potentially lead to an increase in blood pressure acutely which can lead to further complications. To avoid these possible complications & rebound hypertension, close medical supervision is essential.

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Can high blood pressure go away without medication?

If you have high blood pressure, you may wonder if you need to take medicine to treat it. But lifestyle changes play a vital role in treating high blood pressure. Controlling blood pressure with a healthy lifestyle might prevent, delay or lessen the need for medicine.

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What is the main side effect of blood pressure medication?

Some common side effects of high blood pressure medicines include:

  • Cough.
  • Diarrhea or constipation.
  • Dizziness or lightheadedness.
  • Erection problems.
  • Feeling nervous.
  • Feeling tired, weak, drowsy, or a lack of energy.
  • Headache.
  • Nausea or vomiting.

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Can exercise lower blood pressure?

Exercise training has been shown to reduce blood pressure (BP). However, studies reporting a reduction in BP resulting from chronic exercise might disregard an acute effect following the exercise session (i.e., post-exercise hypotension [PEH]) that is lost over time.

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What is the average age to start blood pressure medication?

Research shows many adults start medication between the ages of 45 and 65. However, younger adults may need treatment earlier if they have severe hypertension or other risks. Your doctor will recommend starting based on consistent high readings, family history, and your overall cardiovascular health.

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Should I skip my blood pressure medicine if it is low?

Don't change or stop taking your medicine without first talking to your healthcare professional. If the cause of low blood pressure isn't clear or if no treatment exists, the goal is to raise blood pressure and relieve symptoms.

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Can diet alone control my BP?

Making changes to your diet is a proven way to help control high blood pressure. These changes can also help you lose weight and lower your chance of heart disease and stroke. Your health care provider can refer you to a dietitian who can help you create a healthy meal plan. Ask what your blood pressure target is.

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Can blood pressure medication save your life?

High blood pressure is the leading risk factor for early death worldwide, with approximately 80% of related deaths occurring in low- and middle-income countries. Daily medication can control high blood pressure and reduce risk of heart attack, stroke, chronic kidney disease, dementia, and premature death.

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What time of day is BP highest?

Blood pressure has a daily pattern. Usually, blood pressure starts to rise a few hours before a person wakes up. It continues to rise during the day, peaking in midday. Blood pressure typically drops in the late afternoon and evening.

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At what point can you come off a blood pressure medicine?

When Is It Possible to Stop Blood Pressure Medication?

  • You are on only one antihypertensive drug.
  • You are younger than 50 years old.
  • You have no organ damage.
  • You had stage 1 hypertension(the less severe kind, defined as systolic pressure of 130 to 139 or diastolic of 80 to 89) before treatment.

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Can you still have a stroke while on blood pressure medication?

Howard says the risk of stroke went up 33 percent with each blood pressure medicine required to treat blood pressure to goal. Compared to people with systolic blood pressure below 120 mm Hg without treatment, hypertensive individuals on three or more blood pressure medications had a stroke risk of 2.5 times higher.

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What is Stage 1 hypertension?

Stage 1 hypertension.

The top number is between 130 and 139 mm-Hg or the bottom number is between 80 and 89 mm-Hg.

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Is it better to rest or be active with high blood pressure?

Physical activity not only can help control high blood pressure, also known as hypertension. It can also help you manage your weight, strengthen your heart and lower your stress level. A healthy weight, a strong heart and general emotional health are all good for your blood pressure.

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Can lack of sleep raise blood pressure?

The less you sleep, the higher your blood pressure may go. People who sleep six hours or less may have steeper increases in blood pressure. If you already have high blood pressure, not sleeping well may make your blood pressure worse.

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What organs does blood pressure medicine affect?

School of Medicine researchers have discovered how long-term treatment of high blood pressure with commonly prescribed drugs can destroy the kidney's ability to filter and purify blood. The finding could open the door to better ways to manage high blood pressure and other vascular diseases.

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How often should blood pressure be checked?

Most adults should have their blood pressure checked at least once a year. If you have high blood pressure, you will likely need to be checked more often. Talk with your provider about how often you should have your blood pressure checked.

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Can anxiety affect blood pressure readings?

Anxiety doesn't cause long-term high blood pressure. But bouts of anxiety can trigger temporary rises in blood pressure. Temporary rises in blood pressure that happen often, such as every day, can damage the blood vessels, heart and kidneys. This is the same type of damage seen in people with long-term hypertension.

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What's worse, low or high blood pressure?

High blood pressure (hypertension) is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Severely high blood pressure, known as a hypertensive emergency, can be life-threatening. Low blood pressure (hypotension) can cause dizziness, fainting and fall-related injuries.

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Can walking lower blood pressure?

Walking lowers systolic blood pressure by 4.11 mm Hg (95% CI, 3.01 to 5.22 mm Hg). It lowers diastolic blood pressure by 1.79 mm Hg (95% CI, 1.07 to 2.51 mm Hg) and resting heart rate by 2.76 beats per minute (bpm; 95% CI, 0.95 to 4.57 bpm).

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Are eggs bad for high blood pressure?

In summary, eggs, when consumed in moderation, appear to be safe for most individuals with high blood pressure. Recent research has shifted the focus away from dietary cholesterol, emphasizing the importance of overall diet quality and the types of fats consumed.

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