High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a common health issue affecting millions of people around the world. If you have it, you’re more likely to develop serious health problems like heart disease, stroke, kidney damage, and even vision loss.
Managing blood pressure usually involves staying active, eating healthy foods, and taking specific blood pressure medicines prescribed by your doctor.
But a surprising new study from Harvard University has found that some people with high blood pressure might be unknowingly making it worse—just by taking other common medications.
The research looked at data from a large national health survey in the U.S. The scientists found that almost one in five adults with high blood pressure were also taking other medications that could raise their blood pressure even more. These are not medications for high blood pressure but for other conditions.
They include some well-known types like antidepressants, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (also called NSAIDs, like ibuprofen), steroids, hormone-based drugs like birth control pills, decongestants found in cold medicine, and some weight loss pills.
What’s even more concerning is that the people taking these extra medicines often needed higher doses of their blood pressure drugs to control their condition. This means their treatment becomes more complicated, and their overall risk of serious health problems may go up.
This finding highlights something important: even if you’re taking medicine as directed, some drugs might have side effects that go unnoticed—like raising your blood pressure. Many people don’t realize this, especially when they’re taking pills for unrelated problems, like back pain, depression, or seasonal allergies.
So what can you do to protect yourself?
First, talk openly with your doctor about every medicine you take—not just prescription drugs, but also over-the-counter pills, vitamins, and supplements. This is especially important if you see more than one doctor, because they might not all know your full list of medications unless you tell them.
Some medicines that help one condition might worsen another, and your healthcare team needs a complete picture to make the best decisions.
Second, try to build a heart-healthy lifestyle. This means eating more fruits and vegetables, choosing whole grains, and cutting back on processed and salty foods. Even small steps can help. Walking a little each day, finding ways to manage stress, and getting enough sleep can all support better blood pressure.
Third, be extra cautious with certain types of medicines. Painkillers like ibuprofen, antidepressants, steroids, birth control pills, decongestants for colds, and weight loss drugs have all been linked to higher blood pressure in some people.
This doesn’t mean you have to stop them right away, but it does mean you should ask your doctor or pharmacist if they’re safe for you—especially if you already have high blood pressure.
Everyone’s body responds differently to medications. What works well for one person might cause side effects in another. That’s why paying attention to how your body reacts and asking questions is so important.
In the end, keeping your blood pressure under control isn’t just about the medicine labeled “for blood pressure.” It’s about your whole lifestyle, including what else you take and how you live day to day. Being informed and careful can help you avoid unwanted problems and live a healthier, safer life.
If you care about high blood pressure, please read studies that early time-restricted eating could help improve blood pressure, and coconut sugar could help reduce blood pressure and artery stiffness.
For more information about blood pressure, please see recent studies about added sugar in your diet linked to higher blood pressure, and results showing plant-based foods could benefit people with high blood pressure.
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