NSAIDs and Blood Pressure: What You Need to Know

When you reach for NSAIDs, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs used to reduce pain, fever, and swelling. Also known as anti-inflammatory drugs, they’re one of the most common over-the-counter remedies for headaches, muscle aches, and arthritis. But if you’re managing high blood pressure, these pills might be working against you. Studies show that regular use of NSAIDs like ibuprofen and naproxen can raise systolic blood pressure by 5 to 10 points—even in people who’ve never had hypertension before. That’s not a small bump. It’s enough to increase your risk of heart attack or stroke, especially if you’re already on blood pressure meds.

Here’s the catch: NSAIDs don’t just cause pressure to rise—they can also make your current blood pressure drugs less effective. If you’re taking ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, or diuretics, NSAIDs can block their action. For example, hydrochlorothiazide, a common diuretic used to lower blood pressure, loses some of its power when mixed with NSAIDs. The same goes for losartan, an ARB that helps relax blood vessels. Your body starts holding onto salt and water instead of flushing it out, and that’s exactly what raises pressure. People over 65, those with kidney disease, or anyone with heart failure are at the highest risk. But even healthy adults shouldn’t assume daily ibuprofen is harmless.

It’s not just about popping pills for a bad back. Many people take NSAIDs daily for arthritis or chronic pain, thinking they’re safe because they’re available without a prescription. But the FDA and Canadian health agencies have warned for years that long-term NSAID use increases cardiovascular risk. The good news? You don’t have to suffer in pain. Alternatives like acetaminophen (Tylenol) don’t raise blood pressure the same way, and topical NSAID gels can target joint pain without flooding your system. Physical therapy, weight management, and even gentle exercise can reduce your need for pills altogether. If you’re on blood pressure meds and reach for NSAIDs more than a couple times a month, talk to your doctor. There’s almost always a safer path.

Below, you’ll find real, practical guides on how NSAIDs interact with other drugs, what alternatives actually work, and how to protect your heart while still managing pain. No fluff. No marketing. Just what you need to know to stay safe.