Can High Blood Pressure Be Controlled Without Medication With Lifestyle Changes?

Posted on Sat, 8 Mar 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sat, 8 Mar 2014 Answered on

Fri, 28 Mar 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : If once prescribed high blood pressure medication, can one stop taking it if they change life style, ie meditation, exercise, diet??

Answered by Dr. Dr. Michelle Gibson (45 minutes later)

Brief Answer: it is possible Detailed Answer: Hi, thanks for using healthcare magic It would depend on the reduction in blood pressure obtained with the lifestyle changes and the presence of any other conditions that may affect the risk of heart disease or stroke. If the lifestyle changes cause a significant decrease in blood pressure and this normal blood pressure is maintained after a trial period without medication then the doctor would consider stopping the medication. This means that the lifestyle changes would have to be able to maintain the blood pressure below 140/90 consistently. In some persons, once the medication is stopped, the blood pressure starts to rise. The increase is normally noted 24 to 48 hours after the medication is discontinued. It depends on how quickly the particular drug is eliminated from the system. You would have to consider taking the medication while you start the lifestyle changes. If you are able to continue with the changes consistently and you and your doctor note improved readings then your doctor may possibly suggest a trial without medications. You should not consider discontinuing the medication without first discussing with your doctor. I hope this helps , feel free to ask any other questions

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar