Certain over-the-counter pain medications can increase hypertension.

Over-the-counter drugs are relatively easy for adults to access.

For this reason, many people assume they are harmless and fail to read the labels.

Many medications often have warnings for people under a certain age, women who are pregnant, or those with certain medical conditions.

According to a recent Money Talks News article titled “Most Adults Are Unaware of This Drug’s Blood Pressure Danger,” those with hypertension should thoroughly evaluate their non-prescription pain relievers.

Acetaminophen is a better pain reliever choice for those with hypertension.

Only 29 percent of American adults are aware that certain pain relievers can raise blood pressure.

Only 53 percent of those who have been diagnosed with high blood pressure consult with their doctors prior to taking over-the-counter pain relievers.

Unfortunately, about half of adults in America have high blood pressure.

This is typically defined as consistently registering blood pressure readings of 130/80 or higher.

High blood pressure is connected to a variety of other health issues.

Hypertension comes in second only to cigarette smoking as a preventable cause of death.

Of those hospitalized with COVID-19, hypertension was the most commonly listed chronic health condition.

High blood pressure in those ages 35 to 44 correlates with a greater likelihood of developing dementia.

For those concerned about heart disease and stroke, hypertension is the most preventable cause of these ailments.

Yikes!

For this reason, it may be prudent to avoid or limit over-the-counter medications known to raise blood pressure.

Although certain pain medications are problematic, others are not.

What pain relievers should be avoided by those with hypertension?

According to the American Heart Association guidelines, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NAIDs) have been associated with increased blood pressure.

These include commonly used pain relievers like ibuprofen and naproxen.

A better alternative to these drugs is acetaminophen.

In a survey of more than 2,000 adults, only 21 percent were aware acetaminophen does not increase blood pressure.

In addition to reading labels on medications, how else can those with hypertension improve their health?

One simple step is to monitor blood pressure regularly.

Just 10 percent of American adults will take a measurement more than once a day.

The percentage of those who manage to measure their blood pressure only one time a day is 14 percent.

By monitoring your hypertension and talking with your doctor prior to taking medications, you can take steps to improve your well-being.

After all, when it comes to your health, you are your own best advocate.

Reference: Money Talks News (March 2, 2022) “Most Adults Are Unaware of This Drug’s Blood Pressure Danger”