High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a very common health problem. It means your blood is pushing too hard against your blood vessels. If not treated, it can lead to serious health issues like heart disease, stroke, kidney damage, and even vision loss.
Doctors often tell people with high blood pressure to eat healthy foods, get regular exercise, avoid too much salt, and take special medicines to help lower their blood pressure. These steps usually help.
But now, researchers at Harvard University have found something unexpected that could explain why some people still struggle to control their blood pressure, even when they follow all the advice.
The new study looked at information from a large health survey in the U.S. The researchers found that nearly 1 in 5 adults with high blood pressure were also taking other types of medicines that could actually raise their blood pressure. These were not blood pressure medicines. In fact, many of them were for completely different health problems.
Some of the drugs making things worse include antidepressants, non-steroidal pain relievers like ibuprofen, steroids, hormone treatments such as birth control pills, and even some common cold medicines that contain decongestants.
Some weight-loss pills can also affect blood pressure. These drugs are not harmful for everyone, but for some people—especially those already dealing with hypertension—they could quietly be making things worse.
The study also found that people who took these other medicines needed higher doses of their blood pressure drugs just to get their numbers down to a safer level. That means they may have been taking more medicine than needed, simply because of the added effects of these unrelated drugs.
So what can you do if you have high blood pressure?
First, make sure all your doctors know exactly what you’re taking—even if it’s just something you bought from a pharmacy without a prescription. Sometimes people see more than one doctor, and not all of them have the full picture.
This can lead to one medicine affecting another without anyone realizing it. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about everything, including vitamins and herbal supplements.
Second, keep working on lifestyle changes. Eating more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help your body manage blood pressure better. Try to cut back on salty and processed foods. Even light exercise, like walking, can improve your heart health. Managing stress through breathing exercises, yoga, or quiet time can also make a big difference.
Finally, if you’re taking medicines for other health issues, ask if they might raise your blood pressure. Some people are more sensitive to these effects than others, and your doctor may be able to switch you to a safer option if needed.
Being aware of the medications you take is an important step in controlling your blood pressure. It’s not just about the medicine for hypertension—it’s also about how other drugs may be affecting your body without you knowing it.
By staying informed and working closely with your healthcare team, you can take better care of your blood pressure and your overall health.
If you care about high blood pressure, please read studies about breakfast for better blood pressure management, and the gut feeling that lowers blood pressure.
For more health information, please see recent studies about how the dash diet helps lower blood pressure, and how to eat your way to healthy blood pressure.
Copyright © 2025 Knowridge Science Report. All rights reserved.
