Can Blood Pressure Medication Be Stopped After Successful Treatment?

Future Issues Regarding Discontinuation of Antihypertensive Medications

Hello Dr.
Lin,
My mother is 56 years old and slightly overweight.
Last December, due to the cold weather and a cold, her blood pressure became elevated.
Her family doctor recommended starting treatment with Concor 5.
She has been on this medication for a little over three months now, taking it every morning consistently.
As a result, her blood pressure has been well controlled, averaging around 120-130/67-75.

I would like to ask Dr.
Lin if there is a possibility of stopping or reducing the medication under these circumstances.
Her family doctor mentioned that we could continue the medication for six months and then reassess.
Therefore, I would appreciate your professional opinion on this matter.
Thank you once again.

KK, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2006/03/22

Dr. Lin Changqi reply Cardiology

Hello, the control of hypertension should not be judged solely by the patient's symptoms.
It is advisable to continue medication and monitor the situation.
Currently, the blood pressure values are ideal, so please follow your family physician's recommendations.
Since we are unaware of other possible conditions such as diabetes or hyperlipidemia, we cannot provide related suggestions.

Reply Date: 2006/03/22

More Info

When considering whether to stop or reduce blood pressure medication after successful treatment, it is essential to approach the situation with caution and a thorough understanding of hypertension management. Your mother's case, where her blood pressure has been well-controlled at levels of approximately 120-130/67-75 mmHg after three months of treatment with Concor 5 (a beta-blocker), is indeed promising. However, the decision to discontinue or adjust medication should not be taken lightly.

Firstly, it is important to recognize that hypertension is often a chronic condition that requires ongoing management. While your mother’s blood pressure readings are currently within the normal range, this does not necessarily indicate that the underlying causes of her hypertension have been resolved. Factors such as genetics, lifestyle, and other health conditions can contribute to sustained high blood pressure, and these factors may still be present even if her readings are currently stable.

The recommendation from her family physician to continue medication for at least six months before reassessing is a standard practice in hypertension management. This period allows for a more comprehensive evaluation of her blood pressure patterns and the effectiveness of the medication. It is also crucial to monitor for any potential fluctuations in blood pressure that may occur after stopping or reducing medication.

If your mother is considering stopping or reducing her medication, it is advisable to do so gradually and under the supervision of her healthcare provider. Abruptly discontinuing blood pressure medication can lead to rebound hypertension, where blood pressure spikes significantly after stopping the medication. This can pose serious health risks, including increased chances of cardiovascular events such as heart attacks or strokes.

In addition to medication management, lifestyle modifications play a vital role in controlling blood pressure. Encouraging your mother to adopt a heart-healthy lifestyle can complement her medication regimen. This includes maintaining a balanced diet low in sodium, engaging in regular physical activity, managing stress, and avoiding tobacco and excessive alcohol consumption. Weight management is also crucial, especially since she is described as slightly overweight.

Furthermore, regular monitoring of blood pressure at home can provide valuable insights into her condition. Keeping a log of her readings can help her healthcare provider make informed decisions about her treatment plan. If her blood pressure remains stable over time, her physician may consider a gradual reduction in medication or even a trial off medication, depending on her overall health status and risk factors.

In summary, while your mother’s current blood pressure control is encouraging, the decision to stop or reduce her medication should be made collaboratively with her healthcare provider. Continuous monitoring, lifestyle changes, and a cautious approach to medication adjustments are essential components of effective hypertension management. It is always best to prioritize safety and long-term health outcomes over short-term gains.

Similar Q&A

Can I Reduce or Stop Hypertension Medication After Years of Control?

Hello, Doctor. I would like to ask about the issue of reducing medication for high blood pressure. I have been taking antihypertensive medication for several decades, but in recent years, with dietary control, medication, and exercise, my blood pressure has been well controlled, ...

Dr. He Dongjin reply Cardiology
Hello, you may want to reduce the dosage to half and monitor your condition. Changhua Hospital cares about you.

Can You Stop Blood Pressure Medication After Normal Readings?

Previously, the diastolic blood pressure was between 140-120 mmHg and the systolic blood pressure was between 100-80 mmHg. Now, the diastolic blood pressure is between 120-110 mmHg and the systolic blood pressure is between 85-70 mmHg. Has the blood pressure returned to normal? I...

Dr. He Dongjin reply Cardiology
Hello, please reduce the dosage by half and observe. Changhua Hospital cares about you.

Managing Hypertension After Lymphoma: When to Consider Stopping Medication

Hello, doctor! I would like to ask about my mother-in-law, who has high blood pressure caused by lymphoma (she was previously healthy, exercised regularly, and had a light diet). It has been two years since she completed chemotherapy, and she is currently taking one antihypertens...

Dr. Liu Hongxiang reply Family Medicine
Hello Ms. Yang Mei-Wen, The general target for blood pressure control is a systolic pressure below 120 and a diastolic pressure below 80. The minimum blood pressure standard varies from person to person; a systolic pressure around 100 without other symptoms can be monitored fur...

Can You Fully Recover from Hypertension or Is Lifelong Medication Necessary?

Hello, I found that most information online suggests that hypertension requires lifelong medication, so I would like to ask if once diagnosed with hypertension, it cannot be reversed? Is it necessary to continue taking medication? Also, do I need to see a specialist for hypertens...

Dr. Chen Bozhang reply Family Medicine
Hello: In response to your inquiry about whether hypertension, once acquired, is irreversible, the causes of hypertension are quite complex. Generally, long-term hypertension that is difficult to reverse includes intrinsic factors such as genetic predisposition, age, cardiovascul...