Response:

Clinical observations reveal that many hypertension patients independently stop their medication, believing their condition has stabilized. Some worry about potential kidney damage from long-term use. Additionally, older individuals and busy professionals often forget to take their medication, eventually discontinuing it altogether.

Arbitrarily stopping medication interrupts treatment, risking a rapid increase in blood pressure, which can lead to the following dangerous consequences:

Stroke: Abruptly stopping medication causes blood pressure to surge, putting cerebral blood vessels at risk of rupture or blockage. Without timely emergency intervention, patients may suffer severe after-effects or even death.

A doctor advises on adjusting appropriate blood pressure medication dosages. *Tam Anh General Hospital*

Heart failure: When medication is stopped, high blood pressure means increased pressure within blood vessel walls. To pump blood, the heart must contract much more forcefully. Over time, this reduces its function, causing it to weaken and become unable to pump enough blood to nourish the body.

Myocardial infarction: High blood pressure accelerates the development of atherosclerotic plaques in the coronary arteries. If a plaque ruptures, a blood clot forms at that site, obstructing blood flow to the heart and leading to a myocardial infarction.

Other complications: Arbitrarily stopping blood pressure medication can also harm other organs, causing kidney failure, impaired vision, and blindness.

To avoid complications during hypertension treatment, patients must adhere to their doctor's instructions: take medication at the correct dose and time, do not share prescriptions with others, and absolutely do not alter dosages or stop medication independently.

Patients also need to combine a scientific diet with appropriate exercise and rest, avoid smoking, and limit alcohol consumption. They should also avoid stress and monitor blood pressure regularly at home to effectively control the condition.

Nguyen Thi Le Chi, Specialist Doctor Level I

Department of Cardiology

Cardiovascular Center

Tam Anh General Clinic District 7