Symptoms & Signs
The symptoms of drug-induced hypertension are the same as those of primary hypertension, and may include:
- Anxiety
- Chest pain
- Confusion
- Excessive perspiration
- Headache
- Muscle tremors
- Nausea and vomiting
- Pale skin or redness
- Tiredness
- Vision changes
Note: Hypertension usually has no symptoms.
Diagnosis & Tests
The health care provider will ask you questions about your use of drugs known to affect blood pressure measurement.
Repeated blood pressure measurements can confirm the diagnosis. Blood pressure that is consistently high is considered hypertension.
Two factors determine blood pressure measurements. Systolic blood pressure is the “top” number. It measures the pressure in the blood vessels when the heart beats. Diastolic blood pressure is the “bottom” number. It is the pressure in blood vessels when the heart is at rest.
Normal blood pressure is defined as a systolic pressure of less than 120 mmHg, and a diastolic pressure of less than 80 mmHg. A consistent rate of more than 140 mmHg systolic and more than 90 mmHg diastolic is considered high blood pressure.
Blood tests may be done to determine the levels of medications that may be causing the high blood pressure.
-
Drug-induced hypertension : Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
-
Drug-induced hypertension : Symptoms & Signs, Diagnosis & Tests
-
Drug-induced hypertension : Treatment
Review Date : 5/15/2008
Reviewed By : Alan Berger, MD, Assistant Professor, Divisions of Cardiology and Epidemiology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only — they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- 2010 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
