Pharmacist Sonja Keizers answers
Pharmacist Sonja Keizers answers questions about medicines. This time: Can I taper off the blood pressure lowering agent?
My blood pressure was too high two years ago due to stress. Since then I have been on a medication and I exercise every day. Now the blood pressure is good again. Can I taper off the medication?
Answer:
Your blood pressure is good, great! You have also succeeded in changing your lifestyle. If you also eat healthily, are not overweight and do not smoke, you are doing yourself a great service, because it reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease. If the pills work well and there are no side effects, there is no immediate reason to change anything. The treatment of high blood pressure is basically indefinite. Only if the blood pressure is effectively controlled for a longer period of time, the medication can sometimes be reduced. The tapering should then be done gradually and under control, because the blood pressure can shoot up again. The good news is that the chances of success are greatest if the attempt is accompanied by a healthy lifestyle.
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Sources):
- Plus Magazine
