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Please clear my doubts on hypertension

Dr S Padmavati
Senior Consultant Cardiologist,
National Heart Institute, New Delhi

Q: I am hypertensive and would like to ask the following: 1. Is it necessary to take Atorvastatin even when lipid levels have attained their normal range? Some Doctors say that once the lipids are within normal range, one should discontinue statins. 2. Some doctors advise Ecosprin 75 to all hypertensive patients. They say whether or not one stands to benefit, the dose of aspirin does not cause any damage. 3. Tread Mill Test should be undergone with medicine or without? Doctor says beta blockers should be stopped. But some doctors say that hypertensive response at peak level of activity and the efficacy of the medicine can be measured only with TMT with medicine since one is expected to lead his normal life and activity with medicine only.

A:The answers are as follows:-1. The dose can be reduced after the lipid levels are normal and a check kept on the lipid levels for about 6 months before discontinuing them. 2. It is advisable to take Ecosprin in hypertensive patients to prevent heart attacks and strokes. 3. TMT should be done by omitting only the dose before the test and not earlier.