Lifestyle Changes Deserve a 3-Month Trial

Clinicians sometimes give patients a choice of medication or lifestyle changes to control blood pressure (BP) or cholesterol levels. When patients choose medication, they are asked to return in 4 to 8 weeks. However, when they choose to make lifestyle modifications, it's a good idea to wait 3 months to recheck BP or cholesterol levels. Most patients can adhere to a diet and exercise program for a month or two, but at 3 months, you'll have a better idea of whether they can maintain their new regimen.