Blood pressure medications are usually taken for life.
The factors that contribute tohigh blood pressuregenerally fall into two categories: modifiable and unmodifiable.
Modifiable factors are things you’re free to change.
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What Is Normal Blood Pressure?
In 2017, the American College of Cardiology lowered what’s considered the normal blood pressure range.
The upper limit used to be 140/90 mm Hg.
Get our printable guide for your next healthcare provider’s appointment to help you ask the right questions.
It’s now 120/80 mm Hg.
Get our printable guide for your next healthcare provider’s appointment to help you ask the right questions.
More than 90% of the time, the exact cause of hypertension is unknown.
This is called “primary” or “essential” hypertension.
This is especially true as you get older.
Age is a risk factor for hypertension.
It also makes it harder to manage chronic illness.
Side Effects and Risks
Always check with your healthcare provider before stopping blood pressure medication.
Quitting abruptly may cause rebound hypertension and serious health risks including:
Stopping medication abruptly can cause serious symptoms.
For example, the beta-blocker propranolol may cause chest pain or a heart attack if it’s stopped suddenly.
The safest way to stop taking blood pressure medication is by tapering the dose gradually over time.
Your healthcare provider will advise you on how much medication to take and when to reduce the dose.
Is It Safe to Skip a Dose?
Do not take more than one dose of medication at a time.
Doing so can cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure.
Talk With Your Healthcare Provider
Making healthier lifestyle choices is about more than avoiding medications.
It’s also about improving the quality and length of your life.
Despite lifestyle changes, your healthcare provider may not want you to stop taking blood pressure medication.
Listen to their reasons and try not to get discouraged.
In addition, your provider’s recommendation doesn’t necessarily mean you’re in poor health.
Your provider may just believe the benefits of treatment outweigh the potential risks of stopping.
There are several kinds of blood pressure medication to choose from.
Blood pressure drugs commonly believed to be safer during pregnancy include methyldopa and labetalol.
you’ve got the option to’t change others, like age and chronic conditions.
With modifiable factors, lifestyle changes may help you get off meds.
Talk about this with your healthcare provider.
With non-modifiable factors, you may not be able to stop taking medication.
Listen to your provider even if you disagree.
Blood pressure drugs are generally safe and non-addictive.
And if one doesn’t work well for you, a different punch in might.
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