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Definition:
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Drug-induced hypertension is high blood pressure caused by using a chemical substance, drug, or medication.
See also: High blood pressure
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Alternative Names:
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Hypertension - medication related
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Symptoms:
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The symptoms of drug-induced hypertension are the same as those of primary hypertension, and may include:
Note: Hypertension usually has no symptoms.
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Treatment:
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The goal of treatment is to reduce your blood pressure to below 140/90 (below 130/80 if you have diabetes or kidney disease). This will lower the risk of complications.
If possible, stop taking the substance that caused your hypertension. Your health care provider may adjust your treatment if your current medications are causing hypertension and you cannot stop taking these drugs.
Medications that may be used to lower blood pressure include:
- Aldosterone blockers
- Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors
- Angiotensin receptor blockers (ARB)
- Beta blockers
- Calcium channel blockers
- Diuretics
- Hydralazine, doxazosin, and prazosin
Have your blood pressure checked regularly (as recommended by your health care provider) to monitor its response to treatment.
Lifestyle changes may be recommended, including:
- Avoiding excess alcohol
- Dietary changes
- Exercise
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Weight loss
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Expectations (prognosis):
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Drug-induced hypertension is usually controllable with treatment. Treatment may need to be changed periodically.
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Calling your health care provider:
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If you have high blood pressure, you will have regularly scheduled appointments with your doctor.
In between appointments, call your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms:
- Chest pain
- Confusion
- Excessive tiredness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Severe headache
- Shortness of breath
- Significant sweating
- Vision changes
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Prevention:
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Be careful when taking any medication. Ask your health care provider or pharmacist about the effects, and whether the medication might interact with other drugs you are taking (even over-the-counter medications).
In people with hypertension, lowering salt (sodium) intake may be recommended. Products containing sodium (such as salt, MSG, and baking soda) may cause or worsen high blood pressure in some people.
If your doctor suspects drug-induced hypertension, it is important to discuss all drug use -- including alcohol and other recreational drugs -- so that the condition can be properly diagnosed.
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References:
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Kaplan NM. Systemic hypertension: therapy. In: Libby P, Bonow RO, Mann DL, Zipes DP. Braunwald's Heart Disease: A Textbook of Cardiovascular Medicine. 8th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 41.
Victor RG, Kaplan NM. Systemic hypertension: mechanisms and diagnosis. In: Libby P, Bonow RO, Mann DL, Zipes DP. Braunwald's Heart Disease: A Textbook of Cardiovascular Medicine. 8th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 40.
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