Drug-Induced Hypertension: Focus on Mechanisms and Management

This review is intended to briefly describe the primary mechanistic pathways by which several common drugs can increase blood pressure. We also propose potential management strategies based on the underlying mechanisms responsible for the blood pressure elevation.

As hypertension is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular events, healthcare providers must evaluate patients' concomitant medications that may contribute to elevations in blood pressure. The presence of these medications, if not properly addressed, can lead to consequences such as an inadvertent diagnosis of hypertension, as well as the potential need for unnecessary intensification of antihypertensive regimens in those already treated. Blood pressure elevation is an unfortunate by-product of multiple medications. The substances discussed in this review can elicit significant and persistent elevations in blood pressure, and health care providers must first evaluate whether the drug is necessary. If one exists, it is best to select a similar agent with lower risk of increasing blood pressure; if unavoidable, then clinicians should select an appropriate management strategy to compensate for the rise in blood pressure.