Do I have to take hypertension medication for life once I start?

There are many people around who are taking blood pressure medication.

Many people are worried and curious about whether they will need to take blood pressure medication for their entire life.

If you consistently improve your lifestyle habits, exercise, and manage your diet to maintain normal blood pressure, you can stop taking medication.

If it is difficult to maintain normal blood pressure with only non-pharmacological methods, it is recommended to take blood pressure medication.

You must consult with a doctor before proceeding.

 

Hypertension is a common adult disease caused by vascular aging, defined as a systolic blood pressure of 140 mmHg or higher or a diastolic blood pressure of 90 mmHg or higher in adults. Hypertension often has no obvious early symptoms, making it difficult to detect, but if left untreated, it can lead to various serious complications such as stroke, cerebral hemorrhage, myocardial infarction, blindness, and kidney failure. The reason hypertension is so dangerous is because of its severe complications. It can directly threaten life, but even if it does not pose an immediate threat to life, it significantly reduces quality of life.

Professor Kim Kyung-an of the Department of Cardiology at Incheon St. Mary's Hospital, Catholic University, said, "Hypertension is caused by various and complex factors such as genetics, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, eating habits, lack of exercise, and stress," and added, "The reason hypertension complications occur is because people neglect blood pressure management in their daily lives, mainly because hypertension often has no specific symptoms."

Most hypertensive patients have primary hypertension caused by vascular aging. In this case, lifestyle habits that accelerate vascular aging are improved, and blood pressure medication is taken for management. On the other hand, some cases of hypertension are caused by kidney or adrenal gland diseases or hormonal abnormalities, which are secondary hypertension. These may require surgical treatment of the underlying condition in addition to medication.

Professor Kim Kyung-an said, "The most important aspect of treating hypertensive patients is lifestyle modification. To prevent and manage hypertension, one must first maintain an appropriate weight and waist circumference through consistent aerobic exercise," he said. "Being overweight or obese not only negatively impacts hypertension but also increases the risk of diabetes and cardiovascular diseases."

To manage high blood pressure, it is important to regularly engage in aerobic exercises such as brisk walking and cycling. Walking slowly or hiking once a week is not very helpful. It is recommended to exercise at a moderate intensity, about 30 to 50 minutes, more than five times a week, enough to cause slight sweating and an increased heart rate.

Dietary control is also necessary. To reduce salt intake to less than 5 grams per day, eat food with less seasoning. Consume less salt, soy sauce, red pepper paste, and soybean paste, and it is better to leave the broth of soups, stews, and ramen. It is good to eat a balanced diet including vegetables, fruits, whole grains, fish, nuts, and low-fat dairy products, and to generally eat in moderation.

Even if you fail to quit smoking, keep trying repeatedly. Moderation in alcohol consumption also helps. Drinking in moderation can alleviate stress, but only when done within appropriate limits. Additionally, reducing stress and living with a joyful mindset are important for blood pressure management. Manage stress through meditation, deep breathing, or hobbies.

When it is difficult to control blood pressure through lifestyle changes alone, you can start medication therapy after consulting a specialist. It is important to choose the right medication for you, as there are many types and some may be ineffective or cause side effects depending on the individual. If you experience symptoms such as headaches, flushing, dizziness, loss of appetite, or coughing, consult a specialist. Many people wonder whether they need to take medication when they start taking antihypertensive drugs for the first time, or if they have to take it for life after just one dose. If lifestyle improvements maintain normal blood pressure, there is no need to take medication.

It is also necessary to regularly visit the hospital or accurately check your blood pressure at home. When measuring blood pressure, it is important to do so in a stable state and using the correct method. After resting for at least 1 to 2 minutes, sit upright in a chair with a backrest, lean your back against the chair, place your arm on a desk, and measure at heart level. To ensure accurate measurement, avoid smoking, drinking alcohol, consuming caffeine, eating, and exercising for at least 30 minutes beforehand. Measure at least twice in the morning before breakfast and before bedtime when your body and mind are in the most comfortable state, and once you start measuring, it is recommended to do so for 5 to 7 consecutive days.

Professor Kim Kyung-an said, "Lifestyle modifications such as regular exercise, dietary management, stress control, quitting smoking, and abstaining from alcohol are fundamental treatments for hypertension. In cases near the borderline of hypertension, proper lifestyle habits alone can be sufficient for treatment," but he also emphasized, "However, if maintaining normal blood pressure is difficult with non-pharmacological methods alone, it is advisable to take antihypertensive medication. Even with medication, maintaining normal blood pressure can prevent vascular damage and avoid serious hypertensive complications."

 

<Source: Edaily>