A large new study from the University of Leeds has found that people with chronic inflammatory diseases who take oral steroids are more likely to develop high blood pressure.
This finding is important because high blood pressure, also known as hypertension, affects one in five adults worldwide and can lead to serious health problems like heart disease, stroke, and kidney damage.
The study involved over 71,000 patients from 389 general practices across England. All of these patients had been diagnosed with long-term inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, or lupus. These conditions are often treated with oral steroids to reduce inflammation and manage symptoms.
The researchers discovered that nearly 25,000 of the patients developed high blood pressure during the study. They found a clear pattern: the more oral steroids a patient had taken over time, the more likely they were to develop high blood pressure.
This type of pattern is known as a “dose-response” relationship, meaning that the risk increases along with the amount of medicine taken.
Although past studies have suggested that oral steroids might raise blood pressure, the results have not always been consistent. This new research provides stronger evidence by looking at a much larger group of patients and tracking their treatment and health over time.
Oral steroids are commonly used and can be very helpful in controlling inflammation. However, the researchers point out that long-term use, especially in higher doses, may carry more risks than previously thought. Because of this, they recommend that doctors carefully monitor blood pressure in patients who regularly take these medications.
This study also reminds us how important it is to keep an eye on blood pressure, especially if you are managing a long-term illness. People with chronic inflammatory diseases are already at higher risk of heart-related problems, and adding high blood pressure to the mix can make things worse.
There are many things people can do to lower their risk of developing high blood pressure. Staying at a healthy weight helps reduce strain on the heart and blood vessels. Regular exercise—such as brisk walking, swimming, or cycling—can strengthen the heart and improve blood flow.
A healthy diet that includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy while cutting back on salt and unhealthy fats also helps.
It’s also important to avoid smoking and limit alcohol intake, as both can raise blood pressure and harm blood vessels. Managing stress through activities like yoga, deep breathing, or spending time with loved ones can also help. And getting regular check-ups allows your doctor to catch any early signs of high blood pressure and start treatment before complications arise.
While lifestyle changes are often effective, some people may still need medications to keep their blood pressure under control. If you take oral steroids regularly or are concerned about your blood pressure, it’s a good idea to speak with your doctor about ways to stay healthy and reduce your risk.
This important research was led by Dr. Mar Pujades-Rodriguez and published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal. It adds to growing awareness that while oral steroids can be life-changing for people with chronic inflammatory conditions, they should be used with care and followed by close medical supervision.
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