If people ate sensibly and exercised, blood pressure meds can possibly be reduced and/or eradicated. Reduction in salt and weight loss promote lower blood pressures. Exercise results in vasodilation of the arteries which can last up to 8 hours, meaning lower blood pressure as well. Those who can resist their vices, exercise and keep their weight down might not be on forever BP meds. But a large percentage of people would rather forgo hard work and opt to swallow a handful of pills down their gullet, exposing themselves to potential side effects. Go figure. I'll get off my soap box now.