Is it possible to get off blood pressure meds

For example, high blood pressure contributes to atherosclerosis, or hardening of the blood vessels. The medication does not remove the plaque lining your vessels. It simply controls the symptoms of this condition. Because of this, researchers recommend that basing treatment on your overall cardiovascular disease risk is a more beneficial model of care. If your doctor prescribes medicines as a part of your treatment plan, you still want to establish healthy lifestyle habits.

If your goal is to no longer need blood pressure medication, there are many steps you can take. The important thing to remember is the ultimate goal should be overall heart health. Reducing your risk for heart disease is what will make the difference. You will lower your risk for heart attack and stroke. You will also improve your quality of life. As you take these steps to increase your heart health, you may reach a point where you are able to stop managing the symptoms of being sick using medications and instead manage your blood pressure through living well and enhancing your quality of life through diet, exercise and lifestyle.

The following are effective methods for lowering blood pressure that may reduce or eliminate your need for medications:. Choosing healthy foods can be especially effective in managing your blood pressure and keeping your heart healthy. As you make these changes, it is important to continue to track your blood pressure iOS , Android.

This will help reduce your blood pressure and assist you and your doctor in making the best choices for your care. Do you still have high blood pressure even if you control it with medication? Guest post by. Blood Pressure. Happy Pride Month! Apple Watch. Corporate Wellness. But, nearly everyone diagnosed with high blood pressure can make a few lifestyle changes to improve their numbers.

Simply increasing your exercise level can lower your blood pressure within just a few weeks, and losing 10 pounds can help lower it considerably. Here are a few minutes exercise ideas:. If you need help sticking with your exercise plan, ask your partner or a neighbor to walk with you.

Break up your exercise routine into two minute sessions or even three minute sessions throughout the day. This is because losing weight, cutting back on sodium, and exercise alone can change your blood pressure within a few weeks.

Here's how:. Sheldon G. Sheps, M. There is a problem with information submitted for this request. Sign up for free, and stay up-to-date on research advancements, health tips and current health topics, like COVID, plus expert advice on managing your health. Error Email field is required. Error Include a valid email address. To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information and to understand which information is beneficial, we may combine your e-mail and website usage information with other information we have about you.

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See more conditions. Request Appointment. Blood pressure medication: Still necessary if I lose weight? Products and services. Can weight loss reduce the need for blood pressure medication? Answer From Sheldon G. With Sheldon G. Thank you for Subscribing Our Housecall e-newsletter will keep you up-to-date on the latest health information.

Please try again. Something went wrong on our side, please try again. Journal of the American College of Cardiology. Jurich R, et al. Role of nutrition and exercise programs in reducing blood pressure: A systematic review.