Archive for August, 2008

The decongestant high blood pressure link is a relatively new one. Most people can take over the counter and prescription decongestants with little or no risk, but this is not the case for those that suffer from high blood pressure. The problem with the decongestant is that they can actually raise the blood pressure, counteracting the treatment that is ongoing to keep the blood pressure at healthy levels.

The Decongestant High Blood Pressure Link Explained

Most people would not think that decongestants would have any affect on the blood pressure, but they do! Decongestants work by constricting the blood vessels in the body, which works to shrink the swelling that occurs in the nose so that nasal passages can open. The constriction of the vessels helps to relieve congestion, but it raises blood pressure at the same time because of the constriction.

Luckily, drug manufacturers have been made aware of the fact that there is a decongestant high blood pressure link and they have set about coming up with medications that are safe for those that have high blood pressure. Currently there is a drug on the market called Coricidin HBP. This is the only line of medications that has been formulated especially for those who have high blood pressure. This is a relief to many of the more than 50 million Americans that suffer from high blood pressure because it means that they can treat their colds and flu symptoms without worrying about the negative impacts that it may have on their blood pressure, and therefore their overall health.

The problem is that many people don’t know that they have high blood pressure so they don’t realize that we are all at risk when we take a lot of the decongestants that are on the market. If your family has a history of high blood pressure you may want to take the safe road and take Coricidin as this is safe for people who have blood pressure and those that may have it and don’t know.

Not sure whether you have high blood pressure? If you have any thoughts that you might, you should see a doctor. High blood pressure is known as a silent killer and that is because most people do not have any symptoms. Those that do experience symptoms report:

• Fatigue
• Shortness of breath
• Decreased stamina
• Chest pain
• Visual disturbances
• Stroke
• Kidney problems

Adults should have their blood pressure taken at least every two years to track any increases. Luckily, there are many treatment options and lifestyle changes that can make controlling your high blood pressure quite simple. Anyone with high blood pressure should remember the decongestant blood pressure link and carefully select all medications.