Staying Fit
Nearly half of all adult Americans and 3 out 4 people 60 and older have high blood pressure. That’s about 108 million people at increased risk of heart disease or stroke.
Yet a remarkable 19 percent of adults with hypertension are currently taking one or more medications that could be elevating their blood pressure, according to a study of more than 10,600 patients presented earlier this year by John Vitarello, M.D., an internal medicine resident at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston.
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If you’re treating your hypertension, good for you — keep it up. But be aware that you may well be undermining your own well-being by mixing your blood pressure meds with one of the medications below.
Over-the-counter trouble
Ibuprofen and naproxen, for example, are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which can increase the risk of a heart attack or stroke with high doses or prolonged use, according to the American College of Cardiology (ACC). They’re among many prescription and OTC drugs the ACC says can raise blood pressure — or prevent the drugs that lower blood pressure from working properly.
That list includes products for cough, colds and flu; decongestants; weight-loss stimulants; antacids high in sodium; and some herbal remedies and dietary supplements. If you regularly take an OTC medication, read the label carefully and talk with your doctor about safer alternatives.
Prescriptive dangers
Fifteen percent of the U.S. population uses five or more prescription medications, says Matthew C. Foy, M.D., a nephrologist at Louisiana State University Health Science Center in Baton Rouge. “There is likely a sizable fraction of the hypertensive population with disease induced or exacerbated by polypharmacy,” Foy writes.
More on health
Blood pressure pills recalled over cancer risk
Testing detected high levels of probable carcinogen in tablets5 Reasons to Get Your Blood Pressure Checked Now
Research shows lower is better — even lifesaving — when it comes to blood pressure5 Things to Know About Taking 5 or More Medications
Taking multiple drugs increases your risk for falls, confusion and other serious side effects