HIGH BLOOD-PRESSURE - SIDE-EFFECT OF DRUGS, POISONS, AND FOOD

Arterial hypertension, either transient or persistent, may be induced or aggravated by ingestion of various chemical agents, such as drugs, poisons and food. Most of these agents either cause Na retention and expand extracellular fluid volume or act as direct or indirect sympathomimetics. Others act directly on arteriolar smooth muscle. For a few agents no precise mechanism was ascertained. Hypertensive reactions may occur as a result of drug interactions or food and drug interactions. Paradoxical increases in pressure may be encountered during or after discontinuance of antihypertensive therapy. These pressure increases are small and transient; a few are associated with severe hypertension involving encephalopathy, strokes and irreversible renal failure. Careful review of a patient''s drug regimen, including over-the-counter preparations, may avoid chemically induced hypertension. Identification of any offending or incriminating agent prevents the labeling of a chronic illness and obviates the need for lifelong antihypertensive therapy.