Popular Painkillers Linked to Increased Risk of Hypertension

Israeli researchers claim that some of the popular painkilling drugs may increase the risk of hypertension either by raising the blood pressure or interfering with anti-hypertensive drugs. Researchers led by Professor Ehud Grossman of Tel Aviv University have looked into some of the most common medications used by people that may increase the risk of hypertension. Some of the examples include contraceptive pills, anti depressants and anti inflammatory drugs and pain killers.

Increase blood pressure is a common side effect of a number of medications but Professor Grossman said that a large section of doctors do not take this risk of hypertension into account when prescribing medications.

Over the counter drugs, such as ibuprofen, have also been associated with high blood pressure though people often believe that since they do not require a prescription, such drugs are safe to use. The study has been published in the American Journal of Medicine.

“Many physicians don't account for this, and some don't even know about it. It's their responsibility to be informed and make sure that their patients are aware that this is a possibility. Once a patient has won a longer life with the use of these drugs, you don't want to expose them to problems associated with blood pressure, such as stroke”, Professor Grossman said.

Source-Medindia