Q: I am 32 and currently taking 5mg of lisinopril for HBP. I was getting readings of 140/80. I exercise, do not smoke, eat well and I maintain healthy weight. The only really risk factor I believe I have is I am stressed regularly. If I can control my stress/anxiety is it possible to come off the BP medication?
A: Stress and anxiety certainly contribute to high blood pressure. Learning to
manage your stress and anxiety is a recommended life style change. Plenty of
people are able to control their blood pressure with life style changes and do not
take medication. I encourage you to take the steps necessary to decrease the
stress in your life. Sometimes that means learning how to say no to co-workers,
friends, and relatives.
Further Reading:
How to Reduce, prevent, and Cope with Stress
I am surprised that the doctor did not note your very small dosage of medication. It suggests to me, not a doctor, that you should be able to get off your bp medications. Many people who take much higher dosages of the Ace Inhibitor that you are taking, and who also take combinations of medications, are able to get off or reduce their meds. Stress is one of the key factors in my high blood pressure. There are many ways to address it naturally. Resperate is of course an option and is a breathing and relaxation method. BP down is another similar technique with squeeze balls and breathing. Meditation (TM for example) has been documented as effective in lowering blood pressure caused by stress. There are other relaxation and imaging techniques that bring down stress levels. One of the more interesting, and effective treatments for me, has been specific frequency microcurrent. There is a frequency for “calming adrenals” that has been very helpful for me in lowering blood pressure, stress, and anxiety. Good luck…….I would think that because you are on a minimal dose of only one medication, you would be able to control blood pressure through one or more of the many natural means available. Monitoring blood pressure while you attempt various methods can give you the key. All the best!
I was on 4 different medications. Originally bllod pressure was spiking to 200/120. Finally been controlled for last 6 months but then got tignling in extremities and swollen ankles. Dr started to fool around with medication and BP was all over the place. Dr refused to give me any more meds and told me I need to go so a shrink. confused because I really tried to follow directions lat 2 years walking every day, diet, etc now left high and dry
If you were started on a calcium channel blocker or hydralazine Foot/ankle swelling could be a benign and expeced occurence.
Thank you for the information D. Carestia. I am the one who submitted the question. My primary care Dr. told me that I would never be able to go off my blood pressure medicine because I do not need to lose weight. She said if I was over weight then she would say there is a chance I could if i lost weight but since I am not overweight I would be on the medication for life. I thought this sounded odd.
I had high blood pressure and found I am salt sensitive. I cut down the salt and started walking 10 minutes twice daily and now my BP runs about 117/70.
thank so much for your reply!
i already sent you the question
You are welcome, and I apologize for missing your question. All the best!!