Lifestyle changes can help you control high blood pressure (hypertension).
Some people who make positive changes no longer need hypertension medication. But you shouldn’t just stop taking your medication.
This article looks at what to consider before stopping hypertension drugs, when you shouldn’t go off of them, and how to make the best decision for your health.
Can I Stop My Hypertension Medication?
Whether its safe to stop your blood pressure medication depends on what’s causing your hypertension.
Beneficial Lifestyle Changes
Lifestyle changes that may lower blood pressure include:
Hypertension Doctor Discussion Guide
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The factors that contribute to high blood pressure generally fall into two categories: modifiable and unmodifiable.
Modifiable Factors
Modifiable factors are things you can change. Those include:
- Dietary issues, including too much salt
- Low activity level
- Being overweight or obese
- Excessive alcohol intake
- Smoking
- Stress
Addressing one or more of these factors may help you control your blood pressure.
Unmodifiable Factors
Causes of high blood pressure that you can’t change include:
- Chronic kidney disease
- Diabetes
- Family history of high blood pressure (genetics)
- Older age
- Sleep apnea
- Thyroid disorders and cancers
However, treating conditions that contribute to high blood pressure may help lower it.
What to Consider
The decision to stop blood pressure drugs needs to be based on:
More than 90% of the time, the exact cause of hypertension is unknown. It’s called “primary” or “essential” hypertension.
- Blood pressure readingsYour overall healthPossible contributing factors and whether they’re modifiable
It may be time to discuss a trial period without medication if:
- Your healthcare provider thinks your high blood pressure is due to modifiable factorsYou make positive changes in those areasYour blood pressure readings have improved
Research has yet to establish exactly how long you should have normal blood pressure before stopping meds. But studies suggest waiting anywhere from six months to two years.
If you stop the meds and your blood pressure goes up, you can always go back on them. Even so, you should continue with positive lifestyle changes.
When Not to Stop Medication
If your high blood pressure is due to non-modifiable factors, you may not be able to stop taking your medication.
Recap
Some factors that contribute to hypertension are modifiable (diet, exercise). Others aren’t (age, genetics). Positive lifestyle changes may help you be able to go off of blood pressure meds. You and your healthcare provider should make this decision together.
This is especially true as you get older. Age is a risk factor for hypertension. It also makes it harder to manage chronic illness.
Making Informed Decisions
Making healthier lifestyle choices is about more than avoiding medications. It’s also about improving the quality and length of your life.
What Is Normal Blood Pressure?
In 2017, the American College of Cardiology lowered what’s considered the normal blood pressure range. The upper limit used to be 140/90 mm Hg. It’s now 120/80 mm Hg.
Despite lifestyle changes, your healthcare provider may not want you to stop taking blood pressure medication. Listen to their reasons and try not to get discouraged.
You aren’t being punished. And your provider’s recommendation doesn’t necessarily mean you’re in poor health. Your provider may just believe the benefits of treatment outweigh the potential risks of stopping.
You might not like taking pharmaceutical drugs. But know there’s nothing inherently “bad” about taking hypertension medications.
Antihypertensive medications aren’t addictive. The side effects are generally manageable.
You have several kinds of blood pressure medication to choose from. Research suggests different types work for different people. Your healthcare provider can help you decide which medication is best for you.
Summary
You can change some factors that contribute to high blood pressure, such as eating too much salt or smoking. You can’t change others. These include age and chronic conditions.
With modifiable factors, lifestyle changes may help you get off meds. Talk about this with your healthcare provider
With non-modifiable factors, you may not be able to stop taking medication. Listen to your provider even if you disagree.
Blood pressure drugs are generally safe and are non-addictive. If one doesn’t work well for you, a different type might.
A Word From Verywell
Even if lifestyle changes have improved your blood pressure, never stop taking your medication without talking to your healthcare provider.
If you don’t agree with your healthcare provider’s advice, you can get a second opinion. You have the right to make decisions about your health. Just make sure you’re well informed before making changes.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How can you safely stop taking blood pressure medication?
- Always check with your healthcare provider before stopping blood pressure medication. Quitting abruptly may cause serious health risks.For example, the beta-blocker propranolol may cause chest pain or a heart attack if it’s stopped suddenly.
- How can your healthcare provider help you wean off blood pressure medication?
- Your healthcare provider can monitor your blood pressure over several weeks while slowly decreasing your dosage.You may need to be at a lower dose for a while before stopping completely. Ask your healthcare provider when it’s safe to quit taking it.
Always check with your healthcare provider before stopping blood pressure medication. Quitting abruptly may cause serious health risks.
Your healthcare provider can monitor your blood pressure over several weeks while slowly decreasing your dosage.
