If you’re among the millions of people managing high blood pressure (hypertension), your daily routine likely includes a mix of medication, diet, and lifestyle changes. But did you know that some common pills—even over-the-counter ones—can silently raise your blood pressure and increase your risk of stroke or heart attack?
Here are the medications to consider if you have high blood pressure:
🔴 Decongestants (e.g., pseudoephedrine, phenylephrine)
These ingredients, found in many cold and flu medications, constrict blood vessels to relieve swelling in your nasal passages—but they also increase your blood pressure. Many people unknowingly raise their blood pressure when treating the common cold!
🔴 NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen)
While nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are effective for pain relief, they can cause your body to retain sodium and water, making your heart work harder. Chronic use can increase the risk of kidney damage and uncontrolled hypertension.
🔴 Certain birth control pills
Some birth control pills can raise blood pressure by affecting hormone levels and fluid retention. If you are over 35 and smoke or have pre-existing high blood pressure, this combination can be especially dangerous.
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