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Drug-induced hypertension: Know the problem to know how to deal with it
Stefano Masi1, Monica Uliana2, Marco Gesi3
1Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Italy.
Insights
Drug-induced hypertension is a significant barrier to controlling high blood pressure, impacting millions globally. This review examines medications that elevate blood pressure and suggests appropriate antihypertensive strategies.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Pharmacology
- Public Health
Background:
- Arterial hypertension is a primary global mortality risk factor.
- Many patients do not achieve target blood pressure control despite treatment.
- Drug-induced hypertension contributes to this treatment gap.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review medications and substances that elevate blood pressure.
- To identify mechanisms by which these agents increase blood pressure.
- To recommend antihypertensive strategies when drug withdrawal is not feasible.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of pharmacological agents and substances affecting blood pressure.
- Analysis of mechanisms including sodium/water retention, vasoconstriction, and sympathomimetic activation.
- Synthesis of evidence to guide antihypertensive selection.
Main Results:
- Numerous medications and substances can induce or worsen hypertension.
- Mechanisms involve fluid retention, direct vasoconstriction, and sympathetic nervous system activation.
- Specific antihypertensive classes may be more effective in managing drug-induced hypertension.
Conclusions:
- Drug-induced hypertension is a critical factor in suboptimal blood pressure management.
- Understanding these drug interactions is essential for effective hypertension treatment.
- Tailored antihypertensive therapy is necessary when causative agents cannot be discontinued.
Abstract:
Arterial hypertension remains the world's leading mortality risk factor and despite overwhelming evidence that blood pressure-lowering strategies greatly reduce the cardiovascular risk, a substantial proportion of hypertensive individuals worldwide fail to achieve an optimal blood pressure control under treatment. Among the causes responsible for the gap existing between blood pressure lowering potential of the different antihypertensive treatments and real-life practice is the presence of drug-induced hypertension. Many therapeutic agents or substances may directly favour an increment of blood pressure values or counteract the blood pressure lowering effects of antihypertensive drugs. Excessive water and sodium retention, direct vasoconstriction or sympathomimetic activation are major mechanisms of action of such substances. The present manuscript will review medications and other substances that may increase blood pressure, also suggesting the choice of the more appropriate antihypertensive agents to employ when withdrawal of the substance or drug causing an elevation of blood pressure values is not possible.
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