Andrey Nailor, M.D.·Published 19 February 2005·3 min read
Key points
Hypertension (high blood pressure) can be caused by using a chemical substance, drug, or medication.
Blood pressure is determined by the amount of blood that is pumped by the heart, the pumping power of the heart, the condition of the heart valves, and the size and condition of the arteries.
The health care provider will ask questions regarding the use of drugs which are known to affect blood pressure measurement.
The goal of treatment is to reduce your blood pressure, which will lower the risk of complications.
Alternative names
Drug-induced hypertension
Definition
Hypertension (high blood pressure) can be caused by using a chemical substance, drug, or medication. It can also be caused by stopping a drug or medication. See also high blood pressure.
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
Blood pressure is determined by the amount of blood that is pumped by the heart, the pumping power of the heart, the condition of the heart valves, and the size and condition of the arteries. Many other factors can also affect blood pressure, including:
The volume of water in the body
Foods eaten, weight, and other body-related variables
Condition of the kidneys, nervous system, or blood vessels
Levels of various hormones in the body
There are several types of high blood pressure. Essential hypertension has no identifiable cause. Secondary hypertension occurs because of another disorder. Drug-induced hypertension is a form of secondary hypertension caused by a response to medication.
Drugs that can cause hypertension include:
Alcohol, amphetamines, ecstasy (MDMA and derivatives), and cocaine
Corticosteroids
Estrogens (including birth control pills) and other hormones
Migraine medications
Cyclosporine
Erythropoietin (used to correct anemia related to chronic diseases - such as kidney failure, cancer, and HIV)
Nasal decongestants
Many over-the-counter medications such as cough/cold medications and medications for asthma - particularly when the cough/cold medicine is taken with certain antidepressants like tranylcypromine or tricyclics
High blood pressure medications (such as clonidine) when a person stops taking them - particularly if the medication is not tapered off (called rebound hypertension)
Symptoms
Headache is an occasional symptom. If the hypertension is severe, the following symptoms can occur:
Tiredness
Confusion
Vision changes
Nausea and vomiting
Anxiety
Excessive perspiration
Written and revised by
Andrey Nailor, M.D.
Our doctors write and review articles for accuracy and keep them up to date.
health.am provides general information, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified health professional about your own health.
The health care provider will ask questions regarding the use of drugs which are known to affect blood pressure measurement.
Blood pressure measurements, repeated over time, are used to confirm the diagnosis. Blood pressure that is consistently elevated is considered hypertension.
Two factors determine blood pressure measurements. Systolic blood pressure is the "top" number and is a measurement of the pressure in the blood vessels when the heart beats. Diastolic blood pressure is the "bottom" number which reflects the pressure in blood vessels when the heart is at rest. A consistent rate of more than 140 mm Hg systolic and more than 90 mm Hg diastolic is considered high blood pressure.
Tests to determine the cause of the problem may include blood tests to determine the levels of suspect medications.
Treatment
The goal of treatment is to reduce your blood pressure, which will lower the risk of complications. The goal is blood pressure at least below 140/90 and below 130/80 if you have diabetes or kidney disease.
Whenever possible, the substance that caused your hypertension is discontinued. Adjustments may be made in medical therapy if current medications are causing hypertension and discontinuation of these drugs is not advisable.
MEDICATIONS that may be used to modify blood pressure include:
Diuretics
Potassium replacements
Beta blockers
Calcium channel blockers
Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors
Angiotensin receptor blockers (ARB)
Hydarlazine, doxazosin, and prazosin
Have your blood pressure checked at regular intervals (as recommended by your health care provider) to monitor its condition and response to treatment.
Lifestyle changes may be recommended, including such things as weight loss, exercise, avoidance of excess alcohol intake, and dietary adjustments.
Expectations (prognosis)
Drug-induced hypertension is usually controllable with treatment, which may require periodic adjustment.
Complications
Complications of untreated hypertension can include:
Heart attacks
Congestive heart failure
Other heart damage
Blood vessel damage
Kidney damage
Stroke
Loss of vision
Calling your health care provider
If you have high blood pressure, you will have regularly scheduled appointments with your doctor.
In between appointments, if you have any of the following symptoms call your health care provider right away:
Sever headache
Excessive tiredness
Confusion
Visual changes
Nausea and vomiting
Chest pain
Shortness of breath
Significant sweating
Prevention
Use caution when ingesting any substance. If you are unsure of the likely effects and of interactions with other medications that you are already taking, consult your health care provider or pharmacist before using the substance or medication.
In people with hypertension, modification of sodium intake may be recommended. Products containing sodium (e.g., salt, MSG, and baking soda) often have little effect in people without hypertension, but may have a profound effect in those with hypertension.
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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