Avalide & Hypertension: A Patient's Experience with Stress-Related High Blood Pressure

Question
Dr.
I have been taking Avalide for the past two years since I was diagnosed with hypertension.
I believe it was brought on by my new high stress job. At 50, although overweight, I always ate healthy and was active, and my readings were high normal until my new job, when they got high, and I began to have the other physical symptoms as well.
The medication reduced my blood pressure back to high normal.
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!

Answer
If the medicine is no longer needed... then your BP will start getting a little low and you may get some dizziness when standing up...  if your BP is normal, then great, but continue the BP meds.

You are right... lifestyle has a lot to do with it and often people can lower their BP through weight loss, eating better, drinking less, etc.  

Hopefully you will get there.....