Drug-induced hypertension Health Article

Definition

Drug-induced hypertension is high blood pressure caused by using a chemical substance, drug, or medication.

See also: High blood pressure

Alternative Names

Hypertension - medication related

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Blood pressure is determined by the:

• Amount of blood the heart pumps
• Condition of the heart valves
• Pumping power of the heart
• Size and condition of the arteries

Many other factors can also affect blood pressure, including:

• Condition of the kidneys, nervous system, or blood vessels
• Foods eaten, weight, and other body-related variables
• Levels of various hormones in the body
• Volume of water in the body

There are several types of high blood pressure.

• Essential hypertension has no cause that can be found
• 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
• Cyclosporine
• Erythropoietin
• Estrogens (including birth control pills) and other hormones
• Many over-the-counter medications such as cough/cold and asthma medications -- particularly when the cough/cold medicine is taken with certain antidepressants like tranylcypromine or tricyclics
• Migraine medications
• Nasal decongestants

Rebound hypertension occurs when blood pressure rises after you stop taking or lower the dose of a drug (typically a high blood pressure medication).

Symptoms

The symptoms of drug-induced hypertension are the same as those of primary hypertension, and may include:

• Anxiety
• Chest pain
• Confusion
• Excessive perspiration
• Headache
• Muscle tremors
• Nausea and vomiting
• Pale skin or redness
• Tiredness
• Vision changes

Note: Hypertension usually has no symptoms.

Signs and tests

The health care provider will ask you questions about your use of drugs known to affect blood pressure measurement.

Repeated blood pressure measurements can confirm the diagnosis. Blood pressure that is consistently high is considered hypertension.

Two factors determine blood pressure measurements. Systolic blood pressure is the "top" number. It measures the pressure in the blood vessels when the heart beats. Diastolic blood pressure is the "bottom" number. It is the pressure in blood vessels when the heart is at rest.

Normal blood pressure is defined as a systolic pressure of less than 120 mm Hg, and a diastolic pressure of less than 80 mm Hg. A consistent rate of more than 140 mm Hg systolic and more than 90 mm Hg diastolic is considered high blood pressure.

Blood tests may be done to determine the levels of medications that may be causing the high blood pressure.