A recent study from the University of Leeds has found a link between high blood pressure and the use of oral steroids in patients with chronic inflammatory diseases.
This study included over 71,000 patients from 389 general practices in England, who were diagnosed with chronic inflammatory diseases like inflammatory bowel disease and rheumatoid arthritis.
The researchers found that there were 24,896 new cases of high blood pressure among the patients.
They found that the rates of high blood pressure increased when patients reached cumulative doses of oral steroids, indicating a dose-response pattern.
This means that the more oral steroids a patient takes, the higher their risk of developing high blood pressure.
High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a condition that affects one in five adults around the world and can have strong negative health effects.
While previous studies have reported a dose-related response between oral steroids and high blood pressure, evidence has been inconclusive.
The researchers note that oral steroids are commonly prescribed medications and that the cumulative effect of oral steroid doses on high blood pressure is substantial.
Therefore, they recommend that healthcare providers closely monitor blood pressure in patients who routinely take oral steroids.
This study highlights the importance of monitoring blood pressure in patients with chronic inflammatory diseases who are taking oral steroids to prevent the development of hypertension and reduce the related health burden.
How to prevent high blood pressure
There are several lifestyle changes that can help prevent high blood pressure, including:
Maintain a healthy weight: Being overweight or obese puts extra strain on the heart and blood vessels, increasing the risk of developing high blood pressure.
Maintaining a healthy weight through a balanced diet and regular exercise can help reduce the risk.
Exercise regularly: Physical activity can help strengthen the heart and blood vessels, improving circulation and reducing the risk of high blood pressure. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week.
Eat a healthy diet: A balanced diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products can help reduce the risk of high blood pressure.
Limiting the intake of saturated and trans fats, cholesterol, and salt can also be beneficial.
Limit alcohol intake: Drinking too much alcohol can raise blood pressure levels. For men, it is recommended to limit alcohol intake to no more than two drinks per day, and for women, no more than one drink per day.
Quit smoking: Smoking can damage the blood vessels and increase the risk of high blood pressure. Quitting smoking can help reduce this risk.
Manage stress: Chronic stress can contribute to high blood pressure. Finding healthy ways to manage stress, such as practicing relaxation techniques or seeking support from loved ones, can be helpful in preventing high blood pressure.
Get regular check-ups: Regular blood pressure checks can help detect high blood pressure early on, allowing for prompt treatment and prevention of complications.
It is important to note that these lifestyle changes may not always be enough to prevent high blood pressure, and medication may be necessary for some individuals.
It is recommended to discuss any concerns about high blood pressure prevention with a healthcare provider.
If you care about blood pressure, please read studies about cannabis linked to blood pressure reduction in older people, and this common plant nutrient could help reduce high blood pressure.
For more information about blood pressure, please see recent studies about 7 healthy lifestyle changes to manage high blood pressure, and results showing how herb medicines reduce high blood pressure.
The study was published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal and conducted by Dr. Mar Pujades-Rodriguez et al.
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