Arterial hypertension is becoming a common problem that occurs even among young people. To control this condition, doctors prescribe medications. However, some people, feeling relief from taking the drugs, stop taking them without consulting a doctor. This raises the question of the potential danger of such behavior and the risk of developing a heart attack. The doctor discussed this.
Dr. Rajat Mohan, senior consultant cardiologist at Sar Gangaaram Hospital, shared his opinion with Aajtak.in. He emphasized that prolonged high blood pressure negatively affects the heart, which is why medications are prescribed to control blood pressure. Medications are started when the pressure is constantly high and is not corrected by lifestyle or diet changes.
According to Dr. Rajat Mohan, only a doctor decides whether to start taking blood pressure medication. One cannot independently start taking drugs after just one episode of high blood pressure. Usually, doctors recommend monitoring blood pressure readings for some time. If repeated cases of high blood pressure are recorded on different days, then the doctor may advise starting medication.
In some cases, if a person's weight significantly exceeds the norm, and their blood pressure normalizes after weight loss, and nutrition and lifestyle remain correct and the pressure is stably controlled, the doctor may recommend reducing the dose or completely discontinuing the drug. Nevertheless, such a decision should never be made by the patient themselves.
Dr. Rajat warns that if a doctor has prescribed blood pressure medication, it should not be stopped voluntarily. Many people stop taking pills as soon as their blood pressure becomes normal. Such an action can lead to a recurrence of high blood pressure. Stopping medication while maintaining high blood pressure increases the risk of heart disease and the probability of having a heart attack.