High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a common condition affecting about one in five adults worldwide and is a major risk factor for serious health problems, including heart disease and stroke.
A recent study from the University of Leeds has found that people who regularly take oral steroids for chronic inflammatory diseases may face an increased risk of developing high blood pressure.
Oral steroids, also known as glucocorticoids, are widely prescribed to manage inflammation in conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and rheumatoid arthritis.
While earlier studies suggested a possible link between these medications and high blood pressure, the evidence had been unclear. This new study provides stronger support for the connection.
Researchers analyzed data from over 71,000 patients treated at 389 general practices in England. The participants had chronic inflammatory diseases, with IBD being the most common (35%) and rheumatoid arthritis accounting for 28%. Over the study period, 24,896 participants (35%) were newly diagnosed with high blood pressure.
The study revealed a clear dose-response relationship: as patients accumulated higher doses of oral steroids over time, their likelihood of developing high blood pressure increased. This suggests that the total amount of steroids taken—not just short-term use—plays a significant role in raising blood pressure risk.
The researchers emphasized that the cumulative effect of oral steroids on blood pressure is substantial. Since these medications are commonly prescribed for managing chronic conditions, the potential health burden associated with their use could be considerable.
To address this risk, the team recommends that healthcare providers monitor blood pressure closely in patients who routinely take oral steroids. Early detection and management of high blood pressure could help reduce the long-term health risks associated with these medications.
This study highlights the importance of balancing the benefits and risks of oral steroids. While these drugs are effective for controlling inflammation, their potential impact on cardiovascular health should not be overlooked.
The research, led by Dr. Mar Pujades-Rodriguez, was published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal. It underscores the need for careful monitoring and thoughtful prescribing practices to minimize the risks of high blood pressure in patients relying on oral steroids for chronic disease management.
If you care about high blood pressure, please read studies that early time-restricted eating could help improve blood pressure, and natural 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 vitamin D could improve blood pressure in people with diabetes.
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