You may be keeping tabs on your salt intake and clocking your steps, but did you know that certain everyday medications could be sneaking up on your blood pressure? Some meds can quietly cause those numbers to rise, making your heart work extra hard.
Even over-the-counter drugs and supplements can have hidden effects that go unnoticed until it’s too late. Understanding how these medications impact your blood pressure could be the key to keeping your heart healthy and your pressure in check.
According to the Mayo Clinic, pain medications, such as Indocin and aspirin, can cause swelling and raise blood pressure. These medications care beobed to also cause kidney problems and affect blood pressure.
Decongestants, such as pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine, can make blood vessels smaller, making it harder for blood to flow. “If you take antidepressants, have your blood pressure checked regularly. If your blood pressure goes up or isn’t well controlled, ask your healthcare provider about other medicines you could take.”
The above source mentions that simulants are commonly prescribed for ADHD, but they can also raise blood pressure and that patients with hypertension, coronary artery disease, or heart problems should consult their healthcare team before using stimulants.
“Oral contraceptives. Birth control pills can increase blood pressure in some women. Oestrogen in the pills causes the blood vessels to constrict and your heart to beat faster.”
GoodXR mentions that high blood pressure can be developed in some individuals taking birth control pills with estrogen, or the vaginal ring. This side effect is said to be less common with modern methods but is still possible. Healthcare teams may recommend progestin-only pills or alternative methods like the arm implant or IUD.
Also see: Lower your blood pressure naturally with these 5 simple tips
