Doctor's In

My previous blog discussed health insurance issues.  JH discussed his problems getting insurance for his family. Many have this problem.  This story on CNN Money's website may offer some assistance to those who are unable to get insurance through a group plan. I hope this proves helpful. 

Q: My doctor cured my high blood pressure with medication.  I stopped taking the medication.  Was that the right thing to do? (in context)

A:  It is not uncommon for patients to think that their condition is cured due to tests that are within an acceptable range while on medication.  Diabetics will see glucose levels drop to appropriate levels with adequate medication. I can assure you high blood pressure can rarely be cured, only controlled.  The same can be said for diabetes, heart disease, thyroid disease, and a number of chronic ailments that require medication, in many instances, for life. 

Stopping medication without your doctor's approval is a bad decision.  With high blood pressure, one can experience rebound, resulting in a spiking blood pressure that could put a patient at risk for stroke, or heart attack.  Stopping diabetes medication is frought with danger triggering excessively high glucose levels. 

When a patient has multiple chronic diseases it is a great challenge to a physician to reach desired ranges and stopping medication can play havoc with this effort. 

Never stop medications arbitrarily, consult your doctor.

Have a question for Dr. Yacht? Email him at mjyacht58@gmail.com.