MEDDLING MEDS CAN UP YOUR BLOOD PRESSURE
TRYING to lower your blood pressure and not succeeding? The medications you take for other ailments could be to blame!
Almost one in five patients with hypertension don’t realize a drug they’re taking for another condition is making their blood pressure climb even higher, according to a new study from Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston.
The risk of drugs raising blood pressure may be simply overlooked, particularly for patients who are using additional medications for years, explained study author Dr. Timothy Anderson.
Left untreated — or undertreated — high blood pressure increases the risk of heart attack, stroke, kidney disease and vision problems by damaging blood vessels. Making lifestyle changes such as losing weight, cutting salt intake and taking blood pressurelowering medication can push numbers back into the normal range. But if that doesn’t work, it may be time to look in your medicine cabinet!
Drugs known to raise blood pressure include antidepressants, prescriptionstrength nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), steroids, hormonal medications, decongestants and weight loss pills.
“It’s always wise to ask your doctor about possible interactions between new medicine, including over the counter, and existing conditions and treatments,” said Anderson.
“This is particularly true for patients who see multiple doctors who may not always be up to date on their medication lists.” Anderson suggested alternative drugs may be an effective option. For example, acetaminophen can treat pain and reduce fever like NSAIDs — but it gets the job done without spiking blood pressure, and nonhormonal birth control or progestinonly minipills can replace ethinyl estradiol-containing contraceptives.
Experts advise it’s best to bring your most updated medication list to each doctor’s appointment. “I would urge patients prescribed medications known to increase blood pressure to check their blood pressure at home after a few days,” said Dr. George Bakris, director of the American Heart Association’s Comprehensive Hypertension Center in Chicago.
And if your numbers are elevated, contact your doctor for a reevaluation!