heart disease, stroke and premature death.”
“This is a wake-up call for doctors to be more vigilant in measuring blood pressure and using a minimum effective dose for the shortest period of time,” he shares.
When asked whether doctors usually caution high blood pressure patients about such medications, Vitarello says “it’s probably not happening enough.”
He says a key takeaway is that doctors should regularly review which medications patients are using.
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What can you do?
People with high blood pressure should keep track of their readings at home, Vitarello notes. If your numbers are not under control, he adds, it’s worth asking your doctor whether any other medications you are taking could be a factor.
In some cases an alternative might be possible, Vitarello suggests, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) in place of an NSAID, for example.
In fact, acetaminophen should be the painkiller of choice for people with high blood pressure, according to Dr. Eugene Yang, chairman of the Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease Council for the American College of Cardiology (ACC).
Patients taking steroids for a long time should ask their doctor if they still need steroids and if their dose is