I’ve been taking lisinopril for eight years. About two years after I started, I developed a dry cough, but my doctor said it was common. My son kept encouraging me to look into this. I was skeptical at first, but after six weeks, my readings had stabilized in the 120s. My doctor actually asked me what I had changed. I still can’t believe it.

After my husband had bypass surgery, I started taking his blood pressure readings seriously. He was taking two medications, but his readings kept creeping up, even after his doses were increased. I heard about this through a friend. Three months later, his doctor reduced the dose of one of his medications. I didn’t expect it, but he’s also been sleeping better.

I’m 58, and I’ve always been physically active at work. I never thought I’d have a blood pressure problem. At a routine checkup, my doctor noticed my reading was 156/98. I was told I needed to start medication right away. Before making any decisions, I spent two months researching it on my own. I’m glad I did.

I’m pretty stubborn. After three years on amlodipine, my readings kept going up, and I couldn’t accept that medication was the only answer. The swelling in my ankles was getting worse, too. I started taking this along with my medication, and after four months, my doctor said I could try lowering my dose. I wish I’d found this sooner.

I’ve been taking amlodipine since I was 52. The swelling in my ankles got so bad that by evening, I could barely put on my shoes. My doctor said it was a common side effect and suggested elevating my legs, but I didn’t want to just accept that. My daughter sent me an article about aged garlic, and I started taking this. After eight weeks, my readings had come down enough for my doctor to cut my medication dose in half. My ankles went back to normal, too. I couldn’t help crying at that appointment.

I coach my kids’ soccer team on weekends. I started getting short of breath more often than I used to. A checkup showed a very high blood pressure reading of 162/101. My doctor recommended starting medication right away, but I wanted to explore every option first. Four months later, I’m still managing without medication.