Blood pressure can be sensitive to over-the-counter pain medications.

Most households have some brand of over-the-counter pain medication at home.

Some people prefer Aleve.

Others choose to utilize ibuprofen.

They think these have few potential negative side effects than prescription medications.

According to a recent Forbes article titled “Some OTC Pain Relievers Can Increase Blood Pressure—And Most U.S. Adults Don’t Know, New Survey Finds,” these drugs can actually be problematic for certain individuals.

Those with high blood pressure should talk with a physician before taking over-the-counter pain medications.

Although people with high blood pressure should check with their doctors before taking pain relievers, only 53 percent do so.

The problem?

Many over-the-counter medications can increase blood pressure.

Unfortunately, only 38 percent of individuals are aware of this fact.

This can be especially problematic because only about 14 percent will daily monitor their blood pressure.

Although hypertension strikes with few obvious symptoms, it can lead to heart disease or stroke.

What is considered a problematic blood pressure reading?

If your systolic measure is greater than 130 mmHg and your diastolic measure is more than 80 mmHg, you should be concerned.

Because several lifestyle factors can impact the progression of this hypertension, one can make changes to decrease its impact.

Being careful about the medications you take can help.

Start by asking your physician whether there are certain drugs you should avoid.

Additionally, you can take regular blood pressure readings.

This can help you also track how your sleep, stress, exercise, and diet may be contributing to your elevated levels.

Ultimately, high blood pressure is impacted by genetics and lifestyle choices.

Although you cannot control your DNA, you can be selective about what you put inside your body.

Reference: Forbes (Nov. 2, 2021) “Some OTC Pain Relievers Can Increase Blood Pressure—And Most U.S. Adults Don’t Know, New Survey Finds”