Medications ranging from common pain relievers and antidepressants to decongestants can pose a risk of hypertension. Especially for those who are already struggling with high blood pressure.
Around 130 crore people around the world are suffering from high blood pressure or hypertension. According to the World Heart Federation, it is the main cause of heart disease. Due to this, about 1 crore people die every year. It is important to pay attention to high blood pressure, but many people do not realize that some of the medicines they are taking can also cause it. Medications ranging from common painkillers and antidepressants to decongestants can cause hypertension. Especially for those who are already struggling with high blood pressure. It is important to know about these medicines and their possible effects. Let us know everything about them (Medications cause hypertension).
Why does high blood pressure occur?
High blood pressure occurs when the force of blood against the wall of your arteries is too high. This puts pressure on the heart and blood vessels. This can cause health problems like heart disease, stroke and kidney damage. Blood pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) and is recorded as two numbers: systolic (pressure during a heartbeat) and diastolic (pressure between heartbeats). A normal reading is usually around 120/80 mm Hg. High blood pressure is usually considered to be at a reading of 130/80 mm Hg or higher.
9 Medicines That Can Cause High Blood Pressure
Although there are many causes of high blood pressure, some of these medicines can also cause it.
1. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
Cardiologist Dr. Sameer V Pagad explains, “NSAIDs include both prescription and over-the-counter medications that are commonly used to provide quick relief from persistent pain and reduce inflammation. Especially in conditions like arthritis.”
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However, these medications can cause excess fluid to be retained in the body, which has a negative impact on kidney function. When the kidneys are not working efficiently, it can cause fluctuations in blood pressure. This may result in high blood pressure. According to a study published in the British Medical Journal, taking NSAIDs, especially in high doses or for a week, a month, or more than a month, may increase the risk of heart attack or stroke.
NSAIDs are also present in various over-the-counter products, such as cold medicines. It is advisable to consult your doctor whether NSAIDs are suitable for you. Your doctor may suggest an alternative like acetaminophen instead of ibuprofen.
2. Corticosteroids or steroids
Corticosteroids are commonly known as steroids. There are medications designed to mimic hormones made by the adrenal glands. They help reduce inflammation and suppress the immune system. However, regular use of corticosteroids can significantly increase sodium concentrations in the kidneys. This can cause fluid accumulation.
This can put extra pressure on the blood vessels, causing them to shrink and increasing blood pressure levels. A study published by the Canadian Respiratory Journal has found an association between oral corticosteroid use and high blood pressure and heart attacks. Additionally, corticosteroids can affect your body’s metabolism and contribute to weight gain, which can further increase high blood pressure. Higher doses of these medications are associated with an even greater risk of increased blood pressure.
3. Cold medicines or decongestants
Cold medicines, especially decongestants, are commonly used to provide quick relief from nasal congestion. They dilate the blood vessels in the nasal passages, which reduces swelling. However, many cold and cough medicines also contain NSAIDs to reduce pain. We have already discussed the risk of NSAIDs increasing blood pressure. Excessive use of these medicines can be harmful for your blood pressure levels.
Additionally, according to Annals of Emergency Medicine, some decongestants can increase heart rate and worsen blood pressure and heart attacks. While these medications help reduce nasal swelling, they can also dilate blood vessels throughout the body, which causes high blood pressure.
4. Antidepressants
Antidepressants are often prescribed to people struggling with mental health problems such as depression, anxiety, chronic stress, panic disorder, and overthinking. When taken as directed by health experts, these medications can help balance chemicals in the brain that affect mood and emotional health. Dr. Pagad says, “While high blood pressure is not a common side effect of antidepressants, individuals with high blood pressure may face greater risk. “This risk may increase further with higher doses of the drug.”
6. Migraine medicines
According to a study published by the American Academy of Neurology, migraine is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). This includes high blood pressure, diabetes and hyperlipidemia. Some migraine medications, such as triptans, relieve pain by dilating blood vessels in the head. Although effective for migraines, these medications also dilate blood vessels throughout the body.
7. Use of estrogen for birth control
People using hormonal birth control, especially estrogen-containing pills, may have high blood pressure. According to Dr. Pagad, “Vaginal ring is seen associated with high blood pressure in some people. Today’s birth control methods generally contain low levels of estrogen, but may still have side effects.
Estrogen can increase blood pressure by increasing the levels of a protein called angiotensinogen, which is converted to angiotensin II. This is a blood enhancing substance. In most cases, hormonal birth control does not affect blood pressure. However, if you already have high blood pressure, your doctor may suggest using a progestin-only pill or alternative methods, such as an arm implant or an intrauterine device (IUD).
8. Stimulants
According to StatPearls, stimulants such as methylphenidate (Concerta, Ritalin and others) can cause increased heart rate or irregular heartbeats. This may increase blood pressure. These drugs work by improving attention and concentration by increasing the activity of certain chemicals in the brain.
However, they may also increase the risk of blood pressure-related problems by activating the sympathetic nervous system. Due to this, heartbeat and blood vessels become thinner. Both contribute to high blood pressure. If you are taking any stimulants, keep your blood pressure checked regularly.
9. Weight loss medicines
Some weight loss or obesity medications, such as sibutramine, may increase heart disease. According to a study published by the American Diabetes Association, these drugs may increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases such as heart attack, angina, stroke, heart arrhythmia and congestive heart failure.
Appetite suppressing medications can increase your body’s activity levels. This can increase blood pressure and put additional stress on the heart. Before starting any weight loss medication – whether prescription or over-the-counter – it is important to consult your doctor. Although these medications can help with weight loss, they can also pose risks.
If you are taking any of these medications, especially if you have high blood pressure, it is important to have it checked regularly and to consult with your doctor about the best options for your health.
Also read: National Hypertension Day 2024: If you want to avoid hypertension, learn to control stress and anger, experts are telling why
