Nearly one in five people with hypertension would take a drug to treat another condition without knowing that it would raise their blood pressure even more.
- The researchers recommend bringing the list of medications taken by the patient to each of his visits to the doctor.
- The effects of certain medications force patients to increase their dose of hypertension medication.
It is essential to ensure that blood pressure does not rise as this increases the risk of heart attack, stroke, kidney disease or even vision problems by damaging blood vessels. Lifestyle changes such as weight loss, salt restriction, and appropriate medications can help keep blood pressure within acceptable levels. But the danger can come from elsewhere. Indeed, American researchers from Harvard University point out in a study published on November 22 in the journal JAMA Internal Medicine that certain treatments for other illnesses can raise blood pressure.
Monitor your blood pressure regularly
Researchers urge people to be aware of the effects of medications used to treat chronic conditions on their blood pressure. “The risk of increased blood pressure from medications may simply be overlooked, especially for patients using these additional medications for many yearsadds Dr. Timothy Anderson, lead author of the study. We hope our article will help change that, because in many cases there are effective treatment alternatives to drugs that can raise blood pressure or strategies to minimize risk, such as having patients monitor their blood pressure. at home when starting a new drug that can raise blood pressure.”
About one in five people would have their blood pressure rise due to another medication. To reach this conclusion, the study authors examined data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey collected between 2009 and 2018. They observed the use of drugs known to increase blood pressure such as antidepressants, anti-inflammatories, steroids, hormonal drugs, decongestants and diet pills.
Ask your doctor
The results revealed that 18.5% of adults with high blood pressure (HTA) said they had taken a drug that raised their blood pressure. The latter appeared more likely to have uncontrolled hypertension. Thus, those who compensated by taking medications to control their blood pressure were forced to need higher doses.
“It’s always wise to ask your doctor about possible interactions between new medications and blood pressure.suggests Timothy Anderson. Sometimes alternatives are available.” They add that a good step to follow is to bring the list of medications taken by the patient to each of his visits to the doctor.
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