Blood pressure medication: Still necessary if I lose weight?

Can weight loss reduce the need for blood pressure medication?

- Sharolyn / North Dakota

Answer

If you're overweight, losing even 5 pounds (2.3 kilograms) can lower your blood pressure. As you slim down, it may be possible to reduce your dose of blood pressure medication — or eliminate your blood pressure medication completely. Don't make changes to your blood pressure medication on your own, however. Do so only under your doctor's supervision.

Remember, high blood pressure isn't a problem you can treat and then ignore. Even if you're able to stop taking blood pressure medication, it's still important to maintain healthy habits. Eat healthy foods, and include physical activity in your daily routine. Limit alcohol. If you smoke, quit. Schedule regular checkups with your doctor to make sure you're keeping your blood pressure in check.

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