High blood pressure is a common health issue faced by many people worldwide. It’s a big problem because it can lead to serious conditions like heart disease, strokes, kidney problems, and issues with eyesight.
To keep high blood pressure in check, people often need to make changes in their daily lives. This can include regular exercise, eating healthy, and taking certain medicines as recommended by their doctor.
But, an interesting study from Harvard University has shed light on a lesser-known aspect of managing high blood pressure.
They found that some people with high blood pressure might be taking other medicines for different health issues that could actually make their blood pressure go up even more.
The researchers used data from a big survey called the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. They discovered that about 18.5% of adults with high blood pressure were also taking medicines that could increase their blood pressure.
These included medicines like antidepressants, some strong pain relievers called NSAIDs, steroids, hormones, medicines for stuffy noses, and weight-loss pills.
The study showed that people taking these kinds of medicines were often struggling to control their high blood pressure. This was especially true if they weren’t also taking medicines to lower their blood pressure.
In fact, those who were on blood pressure-lowering medicines often needed higher doses if they were also taking these other types of medicines.
This finding is super important. It means that people with high blood pressure should really talk to their doctors about all the medicines they’re taking.
This is especially important for people who see more than one doctor, as each doctor might not be aware of all the medicines a patient is taking.
Knowing about how different medicines interact with each other can help doctors and patients work together to create a plan that manages high blood pressure effectively. This could help reduce the risk of health problems related to high blood pressure.
Apart from medicines, lifestyle plays a big role in controlling high blood pressure. Eating a diet low in salt and rich in fruits, veggies, and whole grains is beneficial. Regular exercise is good too. Also, reducing stress through activities like meditation and yoga can help.
By combining lifestyle changes with the right medical treatment, people can significantly lower their risk of health problems linked to high blood pressure and improve their overall health.
Now, you might be wondering, what kinds of drugs can actually make blood pressure go up? Well, there are several types:
- NSAIDs, like ibuprofen and naproxen, which are common pain relievers.
- Some antidepressants, like venlafaxine and tricyclic antidepressants.
- Steroids, such as prednisone.
- Hormonal medicines, including birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy.
- Decongestants for stuffy noses, like pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine.
- Certain weight loss pills, like phentermine and sibutramine.
It’s important to remember that not all medicines in these groups will increase blood pressure, and the effects can vary from person to person. If you’re concerned about how your medicines might affect your blood pressure, it’s a good idea to talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
This research, published in JAMA Internal Medicine, was conducted by Dr. Timothy Anderson and his team. It’s an eye-opener in understanding how different medicines can impact the management of high blood pressure.
If you care about blood pressure, please read studies about blood pressure drug that may increase risk of sudden cardiac arrest, and these teas could help reduce high blood pressure.
For more information about health, please see recent studies about nutrient that could strongly lower high blood pressure, and results showing this novel antioxidant may help reverse blood vessels aging by 20 years.
Copyright © 2023 Knowridge Science Report. All rights reserved.
