Drug Induced High BP:
Hypertension or blood pressure that results due to intake of certain drugs, medications or chemicals is termed as drug induced hypertension. Blood pressure refers to the quantity of blood that is pumped by the heart, the strength of the pumping ability of the heart, the health of the valves of the heart and the size and health of the arteries. Blood pressure levels are affected by the state of the nervous system, the kidneys and the blood vessels. Hormonal levels in the body and the water content in the water also determine blood pressure. Hypertension can be classified into three types; essential hypertension for the causes are unknown; secondary hypertension which take place on account of another illness; and drug induced hypertension which is a type of secondary hypertension and is caused due to the effects of drugs or medication.
The drugs that commonly cause high blood pressure or hypertension are cocaine and other narcotics, alcohol and amphetamines. Corticosteroids, erythropoietin, cyclosporine, estrogens and other hormonal supplements, asthma and cold medications, migraine medicines and nasal decongestants are also known to result in high blood pressure. Sometimes the blood pressure can rise after one discontinues or lowers the intake of a particular drug and is known as rebound hypertension. The signs and symptoms of drug induced hypertension include pain in the chest, anxiety, profuse sweating, confusion, muscle spasms and tremors, headaches, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, vision problems and paleness.
Blood pressure is measured in the form of systolic blood pressure which is the upper number and is the value of the pressure of the blood vessels when the heart is in active state and is pumping; and diastolic pressure which is the lower number and is the value of the pressure of the blood vessels when the heart is resting. Blood pressure is considered normal when it systolic pressure is lower than 120 mmHg and diastolic pressure is lower than 80 mm Hg. Blood tests must be done in order to detect the drug or medication levels that may be triggering the hypertension. Treatment for drug induced hypertension is aimed at lowering the blood pressure to under 140/90. The doctor usually recommends discontinuation of the drugs that are causing the hypertension and may prescribe an alternative drug instead. High blood pressure may be kept in check through proper diet, restricting alcohol intake, engaging in regular exercise and maintaining one’s ideal body weight. Garlic is known to be very effective in keeping blood pressure in check and may be taken through the diet. A tablespoon of Indian gooseberry and honey may also be consumed daily for regulating blood pressure levels in the body.
