There are several causes of high blood pressure, and some medications can increase your risk. Here are nine common medications that quietly increase blood pressure levels.
Hypertension is a widespread problem affecting approximately 1.3 billion people worldwide. According to the World Heart Federation, it is a major risk factor for preventable cardiovascular disease, which claims about 10 million lives each year. Managing high blood pressure is important, but many people don’t realize that certain medications can unknowingly contribute to increased blood pressure. From common painkillers and antidepressants to decongestants, these medications can pose significant risks, especially for people already dealing with high blood pressure. It is important to be aware of these medications and their potential effects and to know if they are one of the causes of your high blood pressure.
What is high blood pressure?
High blood pressure occurs when the force of blood against the artery walls is too strong. This puts strain on your heart and blood vessels, which can lead to health problems such as heart disease, stroke, and kidney damage. Blood pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) and recorded as two numbers: systolic (pressure during a heartbeat) and diastolic (pressure between heartbeats). Normal readings are usually around 120/80 mm Hg. Hypertension is usually defined as a measurement of 130/80 mm Hg or higher. Causes of high blood pressure include family history, obesity, and lack of physical activity, but certain medications can also cause high blood pressure.
9 drugs that can cause high blood pressure
Although there are several causes of high blood pressure, certain medications can also cause an increase in blood pressure, including:
1. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
“NSAIDs include both prescription and over-the-counter medications commonly used to quickly relieve persistent pain and reduce inflammation, especially in conditions such as arthritis,” says a cardiologist. Dr. Sameer V. Pagad explains. However, these drugs can cause your body to retain excess water, which can negatively affect kidney function. When the kidneys do not function efficiently, large fluctuations in blood pressure occur, which can eventually lead to high blood pressure. Additionally, NSAIDs may increase your risk of heart attack or stroke, especially if you take them in high doses or for a week, a month, or more than a month. british medical journal. Common NSAIDs associated with increased blood pressure include ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn).
NSAIDs are also found in a variety of over-the-counter products, including cold medicines. We recommend that you talk to your doctor about whether NSAIDs cause high blood pressure and whether they are right for you. Your doctor may suggest an alternative drug such as acetaminophen instead of ibuprofen.
2. Corticosteroids or steroids
Corticosteroids, commonly called steroids, are drugs designed to mimic hormones produced by the adrenal glands. These help reduce inflammation and suppress the immune system. However, regular use of corticosteroids can significantly increase sodium reabsorption in the kidneys, which can lead to fluid retention. This fluid buildup puts extra strain on blood vessels, which can constrict and increase blood pressure levels. Research published by Canadian Respiratory Journal They also found an association between oral corticosteroid use and high blood pressure and the occurrence of acute myocardial infarction, also known as heart attack.
In addition, corticosteroids can interfere with the body’s metabolism, contribute to weight gain, and even worsen high blood pressure. Increasing the dose of these drugs further increases the risk of increased blood pressure.
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3. Cold medicine or nasal decongestant
Cold medicines, especially decongestants, are often used to quickly relieve nasal congestion. These have the effect of narrowing the blood vessels in the nasal cavity, reducing swelling. However, many cold and cough medicines contain NSAIDs to reduce pain, and as mentioned earlier, NSAIDs can increase blood pressure. Excessive use of these drugs can have a negative effect on blood pressure levels. Additionally, it has been reported that certain decongestants can stimulate the heart, further increasing blood pressure and heart attacks. Emergency Medicine Annual Report. These drugs can help reduce nasal swelling, but they can also constrict blood vessels throughout the body and cause high blood pressure.
If you are concerned about your blood pressure, it is best to avoid using cough and cold medicines that contain NSAIDs or nasal decongestants, especially pseudoephedrine (Sudafed), which is known to increase blood pressure. Ask your doctor about alternatives to relieve nasal congestion, such as antihistamines or nasal sprays.
4. Antidepressants
Antidepressants are often prescribed to people dealing with mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, chronic stress, panic disorder, and overthinking. When taken as directed by your health care provider, these medications can help restore the balance of chemicals in your brain that affect your mood and mental health. “While high blood pressure is not a common side effect of antidepressants, people who already have high blood pressure may face an increased risk. This risk may increase further as the drug’s dosage increases. ,” says Dr. Pagado.
Here are some examples of antidepressants that can cause high blood pressure.
- Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
- Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs)
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
If you are taking antidepressants, it is important to monitor your blood pressure regularly. Also, if your blood pressure is elevated or poorly controlled, talk to your health care provider about alternative medications and to determine the cause of your high blood pressure.
5. Immunosuppressants
Immunosuppressants are drugs that weaken the immune system. They are often prescribed to prevent organ rejection after transplantation or to manage recurrence of autoimmune diseases. However, some immunosuppressants can cause an increase in blood pressure. Frontiers of cardiovascular medicine. Notable examples include cyclosporine (Sandimmune, Gengraf, and Neoral) and sirolimus (Rapamune). These drugs can increase blood pressure by constricting blood vessels and causing salt to accumulate in the kidneys. If you are taking immunosuppressants, it is recommended that you measure your blood pressure regularly.
6. Migraine medicine
Migraines are associated with increased prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes, and hyperlipidemia, according to a study published by. American Academy of Neurology. Certain migraine drugs, such as triptans, reduce pain by constricting blood vessels in the head. Although these drugs are effective in managing migraine symptoms, they can narrow blood vessels throughout the body and cause high blood pressure, which can reach dangerous levels.
The same study highlights that drugs that constrict coronary arteries, such as triptan- and ergotamine-containing compounds, may increase the risk of cardiovascular disease in patients being treated for migraine. If you have high blood pressure or heart-related conditions, it is important to consult your doctor before using migraine or severe headache medications.
7. Estrogen contraception
Some people who use hormonal contraceptives, especially pills containing estrogen, experience an increase in blood pressure. “Vaginal rings have been linked to high blood pressure in some users. Although modern contraceptive methods typically have lower estrogen content, this side effect can still occur. Estrogen can increase blood pressure. Dr. Pagad says it may contribute to increased blood pressure levels by increasing levels of a protein called angiotensinogen, which is converted to angiotensin II, a substance known to increase blood pressure.
In most cases, hormonal contraception does not have a significant effect on blood pressure. However, if you already have high blood pressure, your health care provider may suggest using progestin-only pills or alternative methods such as an arm implant or an intrauterine device (IUD). If you are not using oral contraceptives, your doctor can help diagnose the exact cause of your high blood pressure.
8. Stimulants
Stimulants, such as methylphenidate (Concerta, Ritalin, etc.), can increase heart rate, cause irregular heartbeats, and increase blood pressure. stat pearl. These drugs work by increasing the activity of certain chemicals in the brain, improving focus and attention. However, they can also activate the sympathetic nervous system, causing heart palpitations and vasoconstriction, increasing the risk of blood pressure-related problems, both of which contribute to elevated blood pressure. If you are taking stimulants, check your blood pressure regularly.
9. Weight loss drugs
Certain weight loss and obesity drugs, such as sibutramine, can worsen heart disease. According to a study published by , these drugs can increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases such as heart attack, angina pectoris, stroke, arrhythmia, and congestive heart failure. american diabetes association. Appetite suppressants in particular increase the body’s activity level, which can lead to increased blood pressure and increased stress on the heart. It’s important to consult your doctor before starting any weight loss medication, whether prescription or over-the-counter. Although these drugs can help with weight loss, they can also pose risks that outweigh their benefits.
If you are taking these medications, especially if you have a history of high blood pressure, it is important to check your blood pressure regularly and talk to your health care provider about the best options for your health.
