Blood pressure is the force that occurs on the blood vessels as your heart pumps blood to your organs. High blood pressure, or hypertension, occurs when it takes excessive force for your heart to pump blood effectively. This means that the blood is putting excess pressure on the walls of the arteries, causing them to stretch beyond the normal limits. High blood pressure can be the result of poor diet, lack of exercise or a family history of hypertension. Many medications, however, can either cause high blood pressure or worsen symptoms in those already suffering from hypertension.
Pain Medications
Pain relievers such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDS, are available over-the-counter or by prescription. NSAIDs include ibuprofen, naproxen and aspirin. These medications relieve pain and inflammation by preventing the formation of chemicals called prostaglandins. The blood pressure increase caused by NSAIDS is usually temporary when the medication is used occasionally, but prolonged NSAID use can damage the kidneys, leading to long-term increased blood pressure. If you already have high blood pressure, NSAIDS can worsen your symptoms if taken over a long period of time. These drugs can also affect the way blood pressure medications work, rendering them less effective. Consult your health care provider before taking NSAIDS if you have high blood pressure.
Cold Medicines
Ingredients in decongestants used to relieve the occasional stuffy nose and watery eyes can also raise your blood pressure. According to Harvard Medical School Family Health Guide, decongestants that contain pseudoephedrine carry the most risk of affecting your cardiovascular health. Pseudoephedrine works by constricting the blood vessels in the nasal passages to decrease fluids and drainage, but vessel shrinkage also occurs throughout your body, raising your blood pressure. Harvard indicates that, for most healthy people, the blood pressure increase is minimal, but it can rise to dangerous levels for some.
Oral Contraceptives
Oral contraceptives may increase blood pressure in women. The risk for developing hypertension increases with age and family history. Women older than 35 taking birth control pills are more likely to develop high blood pressure. The risk increases more if you are obese or smoke. University of Maryland Medical Center indicates that increased blood pressure risk is due to estrogen found in the pills. Since different brands contain different amounts of estrogen, it may be beneficial to select a contraceptive pill with a lower estrogen dosage. According to UMMC, blood pressure should be monitored closely when taking oral contraceptives, especially when first starting to take the pill or when switching to a new brand.
