By David Liu, PHD

Saturday Oct 13, 2012 (foodconsumer.org) -- Taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may lead to high blood pressure (hypertension) or antagonizes the blood pressure lowering effect of an antihypertensive medication in elderly people, according to a new study in British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology.

The study led by AG Johnson at Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, St Vincents Hospital in Darlinghurst, NSW, Australia and colleagues  showed that using NSAIDs was linked to a 40 percent increased risk of high blood pressure or hypertension.

The study was intended to survey use of NSAIDs among people with arthritis and to determine whether NSAIDs was associated with increased risk of high blood pressure in a large elderly population.

Involved in the study were 1237 men and 1568 women aged over 60 years who resided in Dubbo, NSW and for the study they completed a questionnaire on use of NSAIDs and had their blood pressure measured at baseline.

It was found that 26 percent of the study population used NSAIDs and the rate increased with age and women were more likely than men to take NSAIDs in each age group.  Among people with history of arthritis, 45 percent were using NSAIDs.  About 12 percent of patients were using NSAIDs and antihypertensive medications concurrently.

Results from a multiple logistic regression model showed that after adjustment for several confounders, NSAID usage was associated with 40 percent elevated risk for high blood pressure.

The researchers concluded "Amongst non- institutionalised elderly persons, NSAID usage may be an independent risk factor for hypertension. Considering the substantial consumption of NSAIDs by elderly patients, physicians should review their NSAID prescribing patterns for this community group."

High blood pressure is a serious medical condition that can lead to coronary heart disease (coronary artery disease), heart failure, stroke, kidney failure, and other health problems, according to the U.S. National Heart Lung and Blood Institute.

High blood pressure can be treated relatively easily following a modified lifestyle including a healthy diet.   For instance, protein supplements have been linked with lower risk of high blood pressure.  Green tea, vitamin C, blue berries, vitamin D, DASH diet, garlic, and garden peas may help high blood pressure.