High blood pressure, often called hypertension, is a health problem that a lot of people have. If you have it, you’re at a greater risk for heart problems, stroke, and even issues with your kidneys and eyes.
The usual advice to manage high blood pressure includes exercise, eating right, and taking specific medicines.
The Surprising Findings from Harvard
A recent study from Harvard University has found something quite surprising.
The researchers learned that some people who already have high blood pressure are taking other medicines—medicines not meant for high blood pressure—that are making their condition worse.
This information came from a big health survey, and it turns out that nearly one in five adults with high blood pressure could be in this situation.
These other medicines include some common ones like certain antidepressants, pain relievers known as NSAIDs, steroids, and even some over-the-counter cold medicines.
What’s worse, people taking these additional medicines needed even higher doses of their blood pressure medication to get their numbers down to a safer level.
What Can You Do?
Check Your Medicines
If you’re someone dealing with high blood pressure, it’s really important to talk to your doctor about all the medicines you’re taking, even if they are for other health problems or are just over-the-counter pills.
Sometimes people have more than one doctor, and not all doctors know what the others have prescribed. So, be sure you’re giving all the details to each one.
Lifestyle Changes Matter
Apart from taking the right medicines, there are other things you can do to help your situation. Eating foods that are good for you—like fruits, veggies, and grains that haven’t been processed too much—can help.
Cutting down on salty foods is also a good idea. And don’t forget about exercise. Even simple activities like walking can make a difference. Stress relief techniques like yoga or meditation can also be very helpful.
Drugs That May Affect Blood Pressure
Be cautious of these types of drugs, as they might affect your blood pressure:
- Some pain relievers (like ibuprofen)
- Certain types of antidepressants
- Steroids
- Hormone medicines (like birth control pills)
- Cold medicines (those with decongestants)
- Some weight loss pills
Remember, not everyone will experience high blood pressure from these medications, and some people might be more sensitive than others.
Always talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about how these could affect you.
By being aware and taking a balanced approach to manage high blood pressure, you can improve your health and reduce the risks of further complications.
So, keep an eye on what you put in your body, and don’t hesitate to ask questions. Your health is worth it!
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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