A new study from the University of Leeds has found that people who take oral steroids for chronic inflammatory diseases may be at a higher risk of developing high blood pressure. This finding could help doctors better protect patients who rely on these medicines for conditions like inflammatory bowel disease and rheumatoid arthritis.
The study included over 71,000 patients from 389 general practices in England. All of the patients had chronic inflammatory diseases. The researchers found that nearly 25,000 of these patients developed new cases of high blood pressure during the study.
One important finding was that the more steroids a patient took over time, the higher their risk of developing high blood pressure. This pattern is called a “dose-response” relationship. In simple terms, it means that larger amounts of steroids made high blood pressure more likely.
High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a very common health problem. About one in five adults around the world has it. If left untreated, high blood pressure can lead to serious problems like heart attacks, strokes, kidney disease, and other life-threatening conditions.
While earlier studies suggested that taking steroids could raise blood pressure, the results were not always clear. This new research gives much stronger evidence that steroids really can raise blood pressure, especially when taken over long periods.
Steroids are important medicines for controlling inflammation and preventing damage from chronic diseases. But because they are used so often, the researchers stress that doctors need to watch their patients’ blood pressure closely if they are on long-term steroid treatment.
The study, led by Dr. Mar Pujades-Rodriguez, was published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal. It reminds us how important it is to keep an eye on blood pressure, especially for people who take steroids regularly.
There are also several lifestyle changes that can help prevent high blood pressure:
Keeping a healthy weight is important. Being overweight puts extra pressure on the heart and blood vessels, which can raise blood pressure. Eating a balanced diet and exercising regularly can help keep weight in a healthy range.
Regular exercise can make the heart stronger and help blood flow better. Aim for about 30 minutes of moderate activity, like brisk walking, on most days of the week.
Eating healthy foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products can help. It’s also important to limit salt, unhealthy fats, and cholesterol, all of which can raise blood pressure.
Drinking too much alcohol can raise blood pressure too. It’s best for men to limit drinking to two drinks a day, and for women, no more than one.
Smoking harms blood vessels and raises blood pressure. Quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do for your heart.
Managing stress can also help. Chronic stress can raise blood pressure, so finding healthy ways to relax, like deep breathing or spending time with loved ones, can make a difference.
Finally, getting regular check-ups is key. Many people with high blood pressure feel fine and don’t even know they have it. Regular checks allow doctors to catch high blood pressure early and start treatment before serious problems develop.
In some cases, even with the best lifestyle habits, people may still need medication to control their blood pressure. It’s always a good idea to talk to a healthcare provider about the best ways to protect your heart health.
Other studies have also found natural ways to help manage blood pressure. Research suggests that cannabis may help lower blood pressure in older adults, and that certain plant nutrients can help too. Herb-based medicines are also being studied for their potential to reduce high blood pressure.
Together, these findings show the importance of monitoring blood pressure carefully, especially for people taking long-term medications like steroids.
If you care about blood pressure, please read studies that black licorice could cause dangerous high blood pressure, and this common plant nutrient could help reduce high blood pressure.
For more information about blood pressure, please see recent studies about how coffee influence your risk of high blood pressure, and results showing this olive oil could reduce blood pressure in healthy people.
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