Once you are on medication for high blood pressure, it is true you have to take it for life?

Answer 1

A good question. It depends on what type of hypertension you got. You may have to take meds all your life in the case of Primary (essential) hypertension. Secondary hypertension is caused by some underlying medical conditions and a successful correction of the problem usually end in normal blood pressure. In that case you can taper off the antihypertensives.
Read this http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hypertension and download a copy JNC7 from the internet. It is free. You can download it here http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/guidelines/hypertension/jnc7full.htm

When there is no other compelling reasons start the treatment with Hydrochlorothiazide 12.5mg. No other drug is more effective or safer than Hydrochlorothiazide (at low doses) and it is the least expensive drug for hypertension. You may treat in this order:

Life style modifications
Hydrochlorothiazide
ACE inhibitors (eg. Lisodur®/Lopril®/Prinivil®/Zestril®)

Answer 2

Not necessarily --
If you have not tried chaning your lifestyle (less salty foods, healthier eating, exercise), all this should be tried before initiating BP meds. (Of course the exception being if someone has dangerous high levels leading to neurological problems like stroke - then you are obligated to take meds.)

Not everyone tolerates BP meds well, especially elderly people. The side effects commonly are limb swelling, and something called orthostatic hypotension, which means having low BP once you shift from lying to sitting to standing (causing a lot of dizziness). If this is the case, BO meds may be help and higher pressures tolerated -- in order to avoid these siide effects.

But if you doctor has legitimate reasons to want to keep you on BP meds, you should follow his/her advice. It's a hassle, but the complications of high blood pressure are even worse.

Answer 3

No, certain lifestyle changes may bring on the reduction or elimination of blood pressure pills. The main factors (controllable) are weight and diet. Genetics can play apart too and there is not much you can do about that.

Answer 4

more than likely yes, if certain conditions change and your body regulates and your blood pressure comes down to normal levels and stays down for some time Im sure the doctor would check again and change medication according to whats needed.

Answer 5

it depends on what is causing your High blood pressure. If it's extra weight, diet and exercise can help lower your pressure where you don't need medication. If it's stress, reducing your stress can lessen the need for meds. If it's hereditary, you're screwed.

Answer 6

<>Blood pressure is forever! Yes!

Answer 7

No,

I was on BP meds and no longer on them. I changed my diet and quit smoking and quit drinking coffee. Now my BP is normal with no meds.