Is ibuprofen good for blood pressure?

If you’re one of those people who laughs in the face of hypertension, then this article isn’t for you. But if you’re like me – someone who cringes every time they go to the doctor’s office and their systolic reading spikes higher than their credit score – then listen up. Because today we’re tackling a question that’s been on my mind ever since I started popping pills like they were Tic Tacs: is ibuprofen good for blood pressure?

What is Ibuprofen?

Before we get into the nitty-gritty details, let’s take a quick refresher course on what exactly ibuprofen is, because hey, not everyone knows everything about drugs (unless your name is Walter White). Long story short, ibuprofen belongs to a class of drugs called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs (and no, this has nothing to do with National Security Agency). As its name suggests, NSAIDs are known for reducing inflammation and pain by blocking certain enzymes in our bodies. Ibuprofen specifically can relieve symptoms of headaches, menstrual cramps, arthritis pains and even fever.

Hypertension 101

Now that we’ve brushed up on medications 101 let’s talk about hypertension aka high-blood pressure or as I call it “The Silent Killer”. According to medical journals ie Science Daily and CNN, roughly one out of three adults suffer from high blood pressure which increases risks associated with heart disease , stroke ,kidney failure among other life threatening conditions. Not cool bro! So how does it work? Blood carries oxygenated nutrients from our heart to different parts our body via arteries .To push these little suckers forward an optimal force needs be created .Without proper force most commonly referred as resting BP normals around 120/80 mm Hg . Anything above places considerable strain not only cardsiovacular system but all major organs including the brain. This is where medication comes in!(without getting too technical) .

Ibuprofen and Blood Pressure

Now to answer our initial question: Is ibuprofen good for blood pressure? The short answer is nope, not even close. If anything, it can actually raise your blood pressure especially if you are taking it frequently or in large doses (oh crap!). Ibuprofen has a tendency to constrict the blood vessels leading to diminished flow .This makes the heart have work harder forcing up BP readings .Theoretically speaking its effects are minor so if not useed occasionally don’t get too dramatic about it.

How Much is Too Much?

If a doctor suggests that you take ibuprofen on regular basis then ask nicely dammit ! kidding please do “yes Dr what’s next ?” followed by researching alternatives , giving him/her detailed info when did started having issue etc.. Most doctors tend prescribe this on as-needed gives vague instructions like 200-400mg every few hours just like candy cause they know best right ?. Some symptoms will drift away quicker with less hence low dosage which may make things complicated no but yes explaining why we’re here today lol.

So let me break this down for you: taking high doses of ibuprofen (more than 2400 mg per day), over an extended period of time has potentiality harmful side effects at any age particularly worsens hypertension making multiple health issues permanent disabling!.Although there aren’t specific guidelines out there on how much ibuprofen one should take when trying to manage their pain levels while also controlling hypertension, common sense dictates avoiding these pills altogether if possible whereas more natural remedies exist such as lifestyle changes ie adopting healthier diets packed nutrients,exercise among others other than pill-popping always give yourself some love.

Alternatives Available

With that being said enough depressing facts sprinkle humour ! There’s lots of other pain managements options available: If you’re dealing with arthritis, gabapaentin ,capasisin based creams, acupuncture to name few work wonders .If it’s just general aches and pains cold/hot compresses , relaxation techniques also prove (WAAAY) effective. In some instances Doctors may prescription analgesics that don’t effect hypertnsion usch as acetaminophen or tramadol .

The Takeaway

Oh boy! How much did we learn today ? Let’s recap ;-: Ibuprofen is part of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs which are known for reducing inflammation and relieving pain by bloocking certain enzymes in our bodies however when taken together with hypertension could pose dangerous issues !! Alternatives such as natural remedies mentioned earlier exist alongside dietary changes lower stress etc…should be considered to alleviate symptoms first .To treat chronic discomfort go for the more long-term solutions suggested by medical practitioners.
Ibuprofen poses contradictory risks while intending others making its role quite ambiigious if not definitive.To sum it up Best thing? Always consult doctor for proper evaluations,multiple testing devises give accurate BP readings at any time mostly BP monitoring every morning reccomended instead relying on medications or what your friends said works !.

What do you take away from this article? Are there any alternative methods you’ve tried that have worked better than medication? Share your experiences with us in the comments below!

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