High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is one of the most common health problems in the world.
It affects millions of people and increases the risk of serious conditions such as heart disease, stroke, kidney damage, and vision loss.
Managing high blood pressure usually involves a mix of healthy habits—like eating well, exercising, and taking medication—but new research from Harvard has found that some common medications might actually make the problem worse.
The study, published by Harvard researchers using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, discovered that nearly one in five adults with high blood pressure (18.5%) were taking medications that could raise their blood pressure without realizing it.
These medications included antidepressants, prescription pain relievers known as NSAIDs (like ibuprofen and naproxen), steroids, hormonal drugs such as birth control pills, decongestants for colds, and weight-loss medications.
Researchers found that people who used these medications often had a harder time keeping their blood pressure under control.
Even those taking blood pressure–lowering drugs needed higher doses or additional medications to achieve normal readings if they were also taking one of these blood pressure–raising medicines. For people who weren’t taking blood pressure medicine at all, controlling hypertension became even more difficult.
This study highlights how important it is to understand how medications can interact with each other. Many people see different doctors or take multiple prescriptions at the same time, and it’s easy for one drug to affect another.
That’s why it’s essential for patients to regularly review all of their medications with their healthcare providers and ask whether any of them could be increasing blood pressure.
If a certain medication is necessary but affects blood pressure, doctors can often make adjustments—such as lowering the dose, switching to an alternative, or increasing blood pressure monitoring. The key is awareness and communication. Knowing which medications have this effect allows patients and doctors to work together for better control.
Of course, managing high blood pressure isn’t just about medication. Lifestyle plays a huge role too. A healthy diet that limits salt and processed foods can make a big difference.
The DASH diet—short for Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension—is one of the most recommended eating plans. It focuses on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and low-fat dairy products, which naturally help reduce blood pressure.
Regular exercise is another powerful tool. Even 30 minutes of brisk walking, cycling, or swimming most days of the week can help the heart pump blood more efficiently. Managing stress is also vital, as chronic stress can raise blood pressure levels. Techniques like meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises can help calm the body and lower pressure naturally.
High blood pressure is a lifelong condition, but it can be controlled. The Harvard study reminds us that sometimes, the very medicines we take for other health issues can quietly make things worse. Staying informed, checking labels, and talking to your doctor can help you find safer alternatives or adjust your treatment plan.
By combining smart medication management with healthy habits, people with high blood pressure can protect their heart, kidneys, and overall well-being.
Taking small, consistent steps—like eating better, moving more, and understanding your medications—can make a big difference in keeping blood pressure under control and preventing future health problems.
If you care about high blood pressure, please read studies about unhealthy habits that may increase high blood pressure risk, and drinking green tea could help lower blood pressure.
For more information about high blood pressure, please see recent studies about what to eat or to avoid for high blood pressure, and 12 foods that lower blood pressure.
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