igh blood pressure, also called hypertension, is a major health problem that affects millions of people around the world. It means that the force of the blood pushing against the walls of the blood vessels is too strong. If left untreated, high blood pressure can lead to serious health issues like heart attacks, strokes, kidney failure, and vision problems.
Doctors usually recommend several ways to help people manage high blood pressure. These include regular physical activity, eating a healthy diet, and taking medications that lower blood pressure. Many people also try to lower their salt intake and find ways to reduce stress, such as through yoga or meditation.
But now, a new study from Harvard University has found something surprising that many people might not know: some medications taken for other health problems can actually make blood pressure go even higher.
The researchers looked at information from a national survey in the United States called the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. They found that about 18.5%—that’s nearly one in five—of people with high blood pressure were also taking medications that are known to raise blood pressure.
These drugs include many that people use every day. Some of the most common are pain relievers like ibuprofen and naproxen, which are part of a group called NSAIDs.
Other examples include certain antidepressants like venlafaxine and older ones called tricyclic antidepressants, steroids like prednisone, hormone-based treatments like birth control pills or menopause therapies, decongestants for stuffy noses like pseudoephedrine, and some weight-loss medications.
What’s more worrying is that people who took these kinds of medicines had more trouble keeping their blood pressure under control. Even those who were already taking blood pressure-lowering drugs often needed higher doses if they were also using these other medicines.
This study, published in JAMA Internal Medicine by Dr. Timothy Anderson and his team, points to a hidden challenge in managing high blood pressure.
When patients take many different medicines—especially if they are prescribed by different doctors—there can be unwanted effects. One doctor might not know what another has prescribed, and this can lead to combinations of medicines that work against each other.
That’s why it’s very important for people with high blood pressure to tell their doctor about all the medicines they take, even if those medicines are for other health problems or bought without a prescription.
The researchers say that being aware of how different medicines interact is key to creating a better treatment plan. This can help people avoid unnecessary risks and stay healthier in the long run.
Besides watching which medicines they take, people with high blood pressure should also focus on healthy daily habits. Eating more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and cutting down on salt and processed food can make a big difference. Staying active, keeping a healthy weight, and managing stress are also very helpful.
In summary, while medicines are an important part of treating high blood pressure, some other drugs could make the condition worse without people realizing it. Talking openly with your doctor and pharmacist about everything you’re taking can help avoid these problems.
This new research is a helpful reminder that good communication and smart choices can protect your health.
If you care about blood pressure, please read studies about unhealthy habits that could increase high blood pressure risk, and eating eggs in a healthy diet may reduce risks of diabetes, high blood pressure.
For more information about blood pressure, please see recent studies that early time-restricted eating could help improve blood pressure, and results showing 12 foods that lower blood pressure.
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