A recent study conducted by the University of Leeds has established a connection between high blood pressure and the use of oral steroids in patients suffering from chronic inflammatory diseases.
These diseases include conditions like inflammatory bowel disease and rheumatoid arthritis. The study, which encompassed over 71,000 patients from 389 general practices in England, revealed a significant link between oral steroid usage and the development of high blood pressure.
The researchers observed 24,896 new cases of high blood pressure among the patients they studied. Importantly, they noted that the rates of high blood pressure increased as patients were exposed to cumulative doses of oral steroids.
This indicates a dose-response pattern, implying that the risk of high blood pressure rises with higher cumulative doses of oral steroids. High blood pressure, or hypertension, affects approximately one in five adults globally and can have severe health implications.
While prior research has hinted at a dose-related relationship between oral steroids and high blood pressure, the evidence has been inconclusive until now.
Oral steroids are frequently prescribed medications, and the cumulative impact of these drugs on high blood pressure is substantial.
Therefore, the study’s authors recommend that healthcare providers carefully monitor the blood pressure of patients who regularly take oral steroids.
This study underscores the importance of blood pressure monitoring in patients with chronic inflammatory diseases who are prescribed oral steroids. By doing so, healthcare providers can help prevent the development of hypertension and reduce the associated health risks.
Preventing High Blood Pressure
There are several lifestyle changes individuals can make to prevent high blood pressure:
Maintain a Healthy Weight: Obesity or being overweight increases strain on the heart and blood vessels, elevating the risk of high blood pressure. A balanced diet and regular exercise can help maintain a healthy weight.
Exercise Regularly: Physical activity strengthens the heart and blood vessels, enhancing circulation and lowering 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 diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products can reduce the risk of high blood pressure. Reducing the intake of saturated fats, trans fats, cholesterol, and salt is also beneficial.
Limit Alcohol Intake: Excessive alcohol consumption can raise blood pressure. Men are advised to limit their alcohol intake to no more than two drinks per day, while women should not exceed one drink per day.
Quit Smoking: Smoking can damage blood vessels and elevate the risk of high blood pressure. Quitting smoking can reduce this risk.
Manage Stress: Chronic stress can contribute to high blood pressure. Implementing healthy stress management techniques, such as relaxation exercises or seeking support from loved ones, can help prevent high blood pressure.
Regular Check-ups: Routine blood pressure checks are essential for early detection of high blood pressure, enabling prompt treatment and the prevention of complications.
It is important to acknowledge that lifestyle changes may not always suffice to prevent high blood pressure, and some individuals may require medication. Any concerns or questions regarding high blood pressure prevention should be discussed with a healthcare provider.
In summary, the study establishes a clear link between oral steroid use and high blood pressure risk in patients with chronic inflammatory diseases. Monitoring blood pressure in such patients is vital to prevent hypertension and its associated health consequences.
This study, conducted by Dr. Mar Pujades-Rodriguez et al., was published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal.
If you care about blood pressure, please read studies about how diets could help lower high blood pressure, and 3 grams of omega-3s a day keep high blood pressure at bay.
For more information about health, please see recent studies about how tea and coffee influence your risk of high blood pressure, and results showing this olive oil could reduce blood pressure in healthy people.
Copyright © 2023 Knowridge Science Report. All rights reserved.
