This article is part ofHealth Divide: Heart Disease Risk Factors, a destination in our Health Divide series.
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Gladys Velarde, M.D.
Dr. Velarde’s clinical interests include heart disease in women and other populations along with preventive care.
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However, patients must know that theres no finite period forlifestyle changes.
They shouldnt be abandoned because you are starting medication.
Lifestyle changes should be made for life, irrespective of the patient being on medication or not.
Unfortunately, this message isnt always heard by patients.
That isnt the case.
This is especially the case for blood pressure.
Oftentimes, patients dont do what is requiredthe basic lifestyle effortfor blood pressure to be controlled with medications.
In many cases, the baseline lifestyle commitments dont take hold or are abandoned.
The reasons for this are complex but constitute barriers we need to identify and overcome.
However not achieving the baseline lifestyle changes necessary is an extremely important first step.
2021;77(6).
doi:10.1161/HYP.0000000000000195
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Facts about hypertension.
