He added that all patients who are prescribed these medicines by their doctors should continue their regimen. Any change should be carried out only after proper consultation with one's doctors.
Mr Lee, a father of three, is "glad the myth has been debunked" so that those who have hypertension like him need not be worried.
Every morning, he continues to take one tablet of atenolol, a medicine used to treat high blood pressure. He monitors what he eats as it affects his blood pressure, which he tests twice daily.
Amid the pandemic, he is paying more attention to his diet, making it a point to eat in moderation and consume more fruits. He also goes for 40-minute walks at the Bishan-Ang Mo Kio park two to three times a week and does a 30-minute workout at home.
Apart from taking prescribed medicines, Dr Mak advised people with hypertension to watch their diet, especially their salt intake. Snacking and over-eating should be avoided, he said, adding: "Weight increase is detrimental to blood pressure control."
Besides adopting a suitable exercise regimen, he said, "adequate rest is also essential for a healthy lifestyle".
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