Blood Pressure Meds

Just curious, I was started on Benicar HCT 40/12.5 about 3 or 4 years ago at a time when I was at my peak weight, well over 300 pounds, not taking very good care of myself and not exercising. My blood pressure was running around 140/85 at the time. I underwent some cardiac work ups due to some chest pain over that time period including a couple of Nuclear Stress Tests and Echos along with all the blood work that is usually done, all tests were always normal. Turns out I had a bad gallbladder, once it was removed the pains went away.

I am now 51 years old and I have changed my lifestyle considerably back in 2007, started eating right and exercising an hour per day at the health club. I have lost a considerable amount of weight (70 pounds), but could still lose another 40 -50 pounds. I have an excellent tolerance for exercise, I have no cardiac symptoms, no family history of early onset CAD and my cholesterol numbers are controlled as well (LDL 77 & HDL 43). My most current 90 day average blood pressure is now down to 106/64, I have some days where it is as low as 90/55. I do have white coat syndrome so it tends to run above 120/80 at the doctors office so he is hesitant to take me off the Benicar. My question, is it reasonable to expect to be able to get off blood pressure meds? I was told when I went on Benicar that it would most likely be for life, but I would like to cut back if possible. I have to admit I have no side effects from the Benicar, it has been a great drug for me.

You thoughts?

Thanks,

Jon

[Cleveland Clinic]

It is possible, if you return to your ideal body weight to go off of medications. One important aspect of blood pressure control now that you are exercising is that you need to make sure that it is well controlled during the exercise, as it may increase substantially primarily during isometric exercise.
I would want to make sure that your blood pressure is well controlled in those conditions before stopping the BP meds.

[erijon]

Thanks for the quick reply, I do track my blood pressure occasionally during exercise, it does increase with my activity level and normally tops out around 145/80 to 150/90, I can push it higher by increasing my level of exertion but I keep my heart rate to 85% of my max heart rate. . It also recovers very quickly when done.