High blood pressure, or hypertension, is one of the most common health problems around the world. It’s dangerous because it can lead to heart disease, strokes, kidney failure, and even problems with your eyes. To manage high blood pressure, people are usually advised to exercise regularly, eat healthy foods, reduce salt, and take medicine prescribed by their doctor.
But a new study from Harvard University has uncovered something surprising—some people with high blood pressure may be taking other medications for unrelated health problems that are actually making their blood pressure worse without even knowing it.
The research team, led by Dr. Timothy Anderson, looked at data from a large health survey called the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. They found that nearly 1 in 5 adults with high blood pressure (about 18.5%) were also taking medications that can increase blood pressure.
These included commonly used drugs like antidepressants, strong painkillers called NSAIDs (such as ibuprofen or naproxen), steroids, hormone therapies like birth control pills, decongestants for colds and stuffy noses, and certain weight-loss pills.
What they discovered was concerning. People who were taking these types of medications had a harder time keeping their blood pressure under control—especially if they weren’t also on blood pressure-lowering drugs. And for those who were taking medication to lower their blood pressure, they often needed stronger doses to get the same effect.
This shows how important it is for people with high blood pressure to review all their medications with their doctor—not just the ones for high blood pressure, but everything they’re taking, including over-the-counter medicines.
Sometimes, patients see multiple doctors, and each one may prescribe something without knowing about the others. That’s why communication is key. Sharing a full list of medications with every doctor you visit can help avoid these kinds of problems.
It’s also important to know that not every medicine in these categories will raise blood pressure for every person. For example, not all antidepressants or birth control pills will have the same effect. Some people might not see any change at all. But others may notice their blood pressure creeping up without realizing why.
Here’s a quick overview of the types of drugs that could raise blood pressure:
– NSAIDs like ibuprofen and naproxen, used for pain and inflammation
– Antidepressants like venlafaxine and tricyclic antidepressants
– Steroids such as prednisone, often used to treat inflammation and immune conditions
– Hormonal medicines including birth control pills and hormone replacement therapies
– Decongestants such as pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine, found in cold and flu medications
– Weight-loss drugs like phentermine and sibutramine
Again, the effects vary from person to person, so if you have concerns, it’s best to talk to your doctor or pharmacist. They can help you weigh the risks and may suggest switching to a different medication that doesn’t raise blood pressure.
Alongside managing medications, healthy lifestyle choices are still one of the best ways to control high blood pressure. Eating a diet full of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy, while cutting back on salt, helps a lot.
Regular exercise—like walking, swimming, or cycling—can lower blood pressure, too. And don’t underestimate the power of stress management; activities like meditation, yoga, or even just deep breathing can make a real difference.
This study, published in JAMA Internal Medicine, is a good reminder that managing high blood pressure isn’t just about taking pills. It’s also about understanding how all your treatments fit together. With the right care, people can reduce their risk of serious health problems and live healthier, longer lives.
If you care about high blood pressure, please read studies that drinking tea could help lower blood pressure, and early time-restricted eating could help improve blood pressure.
For more health information, please see recent studies about added sugar in your diet linked to higher blood pressure, and results showing vitamin D could improve blood pressure in people with diabetes.
Copyright © 2025 Knowridge Science Report. All rights reserved.
