Hypertension requires lifelong treatment and should not be discontinued at will. This is a principle that every hypertensive patient must adhere to. However, during the treatment process, attention should also be paid to changes in blood pressure and adjust the type and dosage of antihypertensive medications accordingly. Especially as blood pressure fluctuates with the seasons, during the warm spring season when temperatures rise and outdoor activities increase, blood pressure also changes. Hypertensive patients should monitor their use of antihypertensive medications.
The most concerning issue for hypertensive patients is: Can you reduce or stop taking antihypertensive medications? To explore this issue, two conditions must first be met:
Condition One: What is the current blood pressure level? Is it below 120/80 mmHg? Condition Two: How effective is lifestyle intervention treatment being implemented? Are measures such as low fat, low salt, light diet, smoking cessation, alcohol restriction, and regular exercise being adhered to?
If you meet these two conditions, you should evaluate your own body condition in combination with the risk of cardiovascular diseases:
– Men over 55 years old; women over 65 years old – Fasting blood sugar between 6.1-6.9 mmol/L and/or blood sugar 2 hours after meals between 7.8-11.0 mmol/L or higher – Total blood lipids greater than or equal to 5.7 mmol/L, low-density lipoprotein greater than or equal to 3.3 mmol/L, or high-density lipoprotein less than 1.0 mmol/L – Men with waist circumference greater than or equal to 90 cm; women with waist circumference greater than 85 cm – Onset of cardiovascular diseases in first-degree relatives at an early age: men under 55 years old or women under 65 years old
If after evaluation, none of these conditions apply to you, reducing the dosage of antihypertensive medications can be considered, or even temporarily stopping them. The principles are:
– For those taking multiple antihypertensive medications, consider reducing one of them and closely monitor blood pressure changes for at least a month – For those taking a single antihypertensive medication, start by reducing the dosage by half and monitor blood pressure changes closely. If frequent episodes of low blood pressure, such as 90/60 mmHg, accompanied by dizziness, fatigue, or other discomfort occur, reduce the dosage and monitor blood pressure until discontinuation is necessary If blood pressure is higher at night than during the day, do not reduce or discontinue antihypertensive medications; instead, adjust the timing of medication intake promptly
In summary, antihypertensive medications should not be reduced or discontinued at will. Do not rely on feelings to take medication—taking medication when feeling uncomfortable or stopping when symptoms disappear is not recommended. Taking medication every other day or sporadically is even more dangerous as it can lead to a sudden rise in blood pressure or significant fluctuations, increasing the risk of unexpected events like stroke. It is hoped that this article can help everyone. Feel free to click follow and share to learn and exchange more health knowledge.
