Expert: William B. Jeffries, Ph.D. - 4/20/2004

Question
I am 48 years old and 200# and presently take Diovan hct 80/12.5 and also crestor 10mg for high cholestrol. My Dr just says to take the pills for life but I would love to get off taking them. Is there a way to excercise and or diet to enable me to get off pills? How do I cut back on medication without any bad effects?

Answer
Bob,
These drugs are usually for life.  Certain lifestyle changes (increased exercise, weight control, a diet low in salt, fat and sweets but high in potassium and calcium, moderate or no alcohol intake) can lower blood pressureby up to 10 mmHg in a hypertensive patient.  Thus it may possible to reduce your dose with aggressive lifestyle changes.  As to the crestor, it has been shown that dietary changes are usually not sufficient to control blood cholesterol in patients with hyperlipidemia.  However, a low fat diet can help.  You should never discontinue these drugs without the supervision of a physician.