Submitted by Dr T on March 12, 2011 – 12:01pm
In the last two months I have changed to an almost vegetarian diet-no red meat, dairy, eggs, or fats, only lean chicken and fish. Lots of fibre. I have also lost weight, although still technically overweight, have increased my exercise, and reduced my alcohol (never overconsumed to begin with). My job has also become much less stressfull. In fact the area where I now work is almost relaxing. My readings lately have been normal, and I feel like a kid again!I would like to stop taking the medication, but my doctors opinion is ‘why stop if its working’? I think my lifestyle changes have had a bigger impact. Is it OK to go off the medication for a trial period to see what happens? Can hypertension be resolved by lifestyle changes or is it a permanent condition? Thanks!
First of all, congratulations! You have made the most important changes in your lifestyle possible. However, I agree with your doctor to make other changes slowly. If you continue with your present regimen, I expect you will be able to wean of Avalide eventually. Two months of change don’t yet add up to the previous 50 years.
You can read more here about the high blood pressure and calculate your present risk for heart disease and stroke:
https://www.cardiachealth.org/heart-information/hypertension
https://www.cardiachealth.org/app/risk-assessment.php
Diet:
https://www.cardiachealth.org/patients/diet/heart-healthy-food
Read more about food on my heart healthy recipe section:
https://www.cardiachealth.org/ca-blog/category/recipes/
Hope this helps,
Dr T
https://www.cardiachealth.org/