How to Get Off Hypertension Meds With Exercise

When you are diagnosed with hypertension, it means that you have high blood pressure. If your blood pressure is not controlled, it puts you at risk of heart attack and stroke. In order to control your hypertension, blood pressure medications may be recommended. However, making lifestyle changes, such as changing your diet as well as exercise, can allow you to stop taking medication.

Instructions

• 1

  Speak to your doctor before starting any type of exercise plan. He will also have to approve the decision to stop your hypertension medication. Never discontinue medication without your physician's approval.

• 2

  Set aside 30 minutes each day to exercise. If you want exercise to have an effect on blood pressure, spend at least half an hour each day partaking in some form of physical activity.

• 3

  Start with endurance activities. These activities will include swimming, walking and bicycling. Once you have built up your endurance with low-impact aerobic activities, you can begin weight training. Circuit training is recommended for people looking to help improve blood pressure.

• 4

  Keep up your exercise routine, and set weight loss goals if you are overweight. Losing as little as 5 lbs. can reduce your blood pressure. To lose weight, your meals should be made up of mostly whole grains, vegetables, fruits and lean proteins.

• 5

  Ask that your doctor re-evaluate your blood pressure medication. After several months of regular exercise, make an appointment for a checkup with your doctor. Request that he monitor your blood pressure in order to potentially stop the hypertension medications if there is an improvement.