Blood pressure is a vital health indicator, representing the force that blood exerts on artery walls as it flows.
When too high, it strains the heart and blood vessels, escalating the risk of heart disease, stroke, and kidney disease.
Several medications are known to raise blood pressure. Here’s a review of the most common culprits:
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
NSAIDs like ibuprofen and naproxen, widely used to alleviate pain and inflammation, can raise blood pressure, particularly in individuals already with high blood pressure or kidney disease.
Decongestants
Commonly found in cold and allergy remedies, decongestants like pseudoephedrine can elevate blood pressure by constricting blood vessels, making it harder for blood to flow.
Oral contraceptives
Birth control pills can increase blood pressure in some women, particularly older women, overweight individuals, or those with a family history of high blood pressure. The risk is higher in smokers and those with a history of migraines.
Antidepressants
Certain antidepressants, such as venlafaxine and duloxetine, can elevate blood pressure. The risk is higher in individuals with pre-existing high blood pressure or those taking other medications that raise blood pressure.
Steroids
Steroids like prednisone and dexamethasone, used to treat inflammation, allergies, and autoimmune disorders, can heighten blood pressure by causing fluid retention and increasing heart workload.
Immunosuppressants
Medications like cyclosporine and tacrolimus, often used to prevent organ rejection in transplant recipients, can elevate blood pressure by constricting blood vessels and increasing heart workload.
Stimulants
Stimulant medications, often used for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), can increase blood pressure by accelerating heart rate and constricting blood vessels.
The risk is higher in people with existing high blood pressure or heart issues.
Migraine medications
Some migraine drugs, like ergotamine and triptans, can elevate blood pressure. The risk is higher in people with existing high blood pressure or heart problems.
Antipsychotic medications
Certain antipsychotic medications, such as risperidone and olanzapine, can increase blood pressure. The risk is higher in people with pre-existing high blood pressure or heart problems.
Some over-the-counter medications
Over-the-counter remedies like cough and cold medications containing phenylephrine or pseudoephedrine can raise blood pressure.
The risk is higher in people with pre-existing high blood pressure or heart problems.
The potential of these drugs to increase blood pressure necessitates careful consideration by healthcare providers before prescribing.
It also calls for open communication between patients and their healthcare providers to address any concerns about the potential effects of their medications on blood pressure.
If you care about high blood pressure, please read studies about potatoes and high blood pressure, and top 10 choices for a blood pressure-friendly diet
For more information about high blood pressure, please see recent studies about impact of vitamins on high blood pressure you need to know, and the powerful link between high blood pressure and a potassium-rich diet.
Follow us on Twitter for more articles about this topic.
Copyright © 2023 Knowridge Science Report. All rights reserved.
