Do You Need Lifelong Medication for Hypertension? Key Insights

Q: Do You Need Lifelong Medication for Hypertension? Key Insights

Reply： Hello, <br>1. <br>Hypertension can be managed through lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking, exercising, reducing alcohol intake, and decreasing salt consumption to lower blood pressure levels. <br>Most patients will require long-term medication, and stress can also e

Do people with high blood pressure need to take medication for a lifetime?

(1) Does hypertension require lifelong medication for control? Since it is classified as essential hypertension, could it be related to chronic stress, and should I consider seeing a psychiatrist for complementary treatment?
(2) What are the potential long-term side effects of taking Atenolol 100mg for blood pressure management?
(3) Is it beneficial to consult a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner? Can a combination of Western and Eastern medicine be effective for treatment?
(4) I used to experience shortness of breath and excessive sweating when climbing stairs.
Now that my blood pressure has decreased to 122-130/81-87 and my heart rate has dropped from 84-90 to 60-66, will I need to exert more effort to adapt to my current physical condition and lifestyle habits?
(5) During the examination, the doctor noted that my arms trembled slightly when raised.
What could this indicate? Is there a specific condition associated with this? Additionally, I sometimes feel muscle twitching in my body, arms, or legs; does this have any particular significance?
(6) The doctor mentioned that my triglyceride levels are slightly elevated.
Should I consider purchasing chitosan capsules or similar supplements for treatment? Thank you for your thoughtful responses!

pclin, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2002/04/24

Dr. Huang Guosheng reply Cardiology

Reply: Hello,
1.
Hypertension can be managed through lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking, exercising, reducing alcohol intake, and decreasing salt consumption to lower blood pressure levels.
Most patients will require long-term medication, and stress can also elevate blood pressure.
If high blood pressure is caused by stress, it does not necessitate antihypertensive medication and is not related to essential hypertension.
2.
Atenolol may cause bradycardia, erectile dysfunction, elevated cholesterol levels, and can trigger asthma attacks.
3.
I do not have expertise in Traditional Chinese Medicine, so I am unsure if there are antihypertensive medications available in that field.
4.
If heart rate and blood pressure are normal but you experience shortness of breath while climbing stairs, it may indicate insufficient physical activity.
Gradually increasing exercise levels can lead to improvement.
Additionally, moderate exercise can also help lower blood pressure.
5.
Triglyceride levels are slightly elevated; engaging in moderate exercise and reducing the intake of high-fat foods should suffice, and medication treatment is not necessary.

Reply Date: 2002/04/24

More Info

Managing hypertension effectively is crucial, especially for someone diagnosed at a young age like yourself. Your blood pressure reading of 152/102 indicates stage 2 hypertension, which requires careful management to prevent complications such as heart disease, stroke, and kidney damage. Here’s a comprehensive response to your questions:
1. Lifelong Medication for Hypertension: Hypertension can often be managed with lifestyle changes, but many individuals may require lifelong medication. Essential hypertension, which is the most common type, often has no identifiable cause and can be influenced by genetic factors, diet, and stress. If your hypertension is primarily due to stress or anxiety, addressing these issues through counseling or therapy might help reduce your blood pressure. However, if lifestyle modifications alone do not bring your blood pressure to a normal range, medication may be necessary. Regular monitoring and consultation with your healthcare provider are essential to determine the best approach for you.

2. Long-term Effects of Atenolol: Atenolol, a beta-blocker, is commonly prescribed for hypertension. While it can be effective, long-term use may lead to side effects such as fatigue, dizziness, depression, and sexual dysfunction. Additionally, it can cause bradycardia (slow heart rate) and may exacerbate asthma or other respiratory conditions. It’s important to discuss any side effects you experience with your doctor, as they may consider adjusting your dosage or switching medications.

3. Complementary Approaches with Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM): TCM may offer additional benefits in managing hypertension. Practices such as acupuncture, herbal medicine, and dietary adjustments can complement Western medicine. However, it’s crucial to consult with a qualified practitioner and inform your primary care physician about any TCM treatments you pursue to avoid potential interactions with prescribed medications.

4. Adjusting to Improved Health: As your blood pressure has improved to 122-130/81-87, it’s essential to maintain a balanced lifestyle. If you previously experienced shortness of breath with minimal exertion, this may have been related to your elevated blood pressure. With your current readings, you might find that your body can handle physical activity better. Gradually increasing your activity level can help improve cardiovascular fitness and overall health. However, listen to your body and avoid overexertion.

5. Tremors and Muscle Twitches: The tremors you experienced when holding your arms up could be related to anxiety, fatigue, or even a benign condition known as essential tremor. Muscle twitching can occur for various reasons, including stress, electrolyte imbalances, or fatigue. If these symptoms persist, it’s advisable to follow up with your healthcare provider for further evaluation, as they may want to rule out other underlying conditions.

6. High Triglycerides and Dietary Supplements: Elevated triglycerides can be managed through lifestyle changes, including diet and exercise. While supplements like chitosan may help, it’s essential to focus on a balanced diet low in saturated fats and sugars, regular physical activity, and maintaining a healthy weight. Your doctor may recommend specific dietary changes or medications if lifestyle modifications are insufficient.

In summary, managing hypertension effectively involves a combination of medication, lifestyle changes, and regular monitoring. It’s essential to work closely with your healthcare provider to develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses your specific needs and concerns. Regular follow-ups will help ensure that your blood pressure remains within a healthy range and that any side effects from medications are managed appropriately.

Similar Q&A

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...

Understanding Hereditary Hypertension: Lifelong Medication and Lifestyle Impact

Hello Doctor, due to a family history of hereditary hypertension, I also have issues with elevated blood pressure, which first became apparent when I was 16 or 17 years old. At that time, the stress of studying combined with a BMI of around 30 led to retinal hemorrhage, prompting...

Dr. He Dongjin reply Cardiology
Hello, it is difficult to determine if your hereditary hypertension has been activated, as you are currently experiencing stress and have a higher body weight, which can contribute to unstable blood pressure. I recommend that you consider losing weight; there is a possibility tha...

Managing Peripartum Cardiomyopathy: Lifelong Medication or Hope for Recovery?

Thank you, doctor. Good afternoon! 😃 I apologize for asking, but I have a question. For someone like me with peripartum cardiomyopathy, will I have to take antihypertensive medication for the rest of my life? Even if my condition is well-controlled, is it still impossible to stop...

Dr. He Dongjin reply Cardiology
Hello, do you have to take hypertension medication for life? You have peripartum cardiomyopathy, not hypertension; the medication is just the same. Even if you need to take it for life, taking one pill to ensure lifelong safety is great. For now, it's better to focus on livi...

Understanding High Blood Pressure: Insights from Family Medicine and Dietary Considerations

Hello Dr. Huang, Last time I wrote to you asking why my blood pressure is elevated. You suggested that I first see an ophthalmologist because you mentioned that high blood pressure can be related to eye pressure (since I had surgery on my left eye and my vision is nearly zero). ...

Dr. Huang Jianling reply Family Medicine
Essential hypertension can be classified into primary and secondary hypertension. Secondary hypertension can often be treated once the underlying cause is identified; if the cause cannot be found, it is referred to as primary hypertension, which requires long-term medication to c...