It is really important that you get the right treatment to keep your blood pressure at optimal levels. Can You Live 20 Years With Heart Failure? Asthma Medications. Most of the drugs used in the management of asthma can have effects on blood pressure. Angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) lower blood pressure by reducing the activity of angiotensin, which is part of the RAAS. Beta-blockers can be very important preventative care medications; yet … 2017;37(2):99-105.doi:10.5144/0256-4947.2017.99, Zolotareva O, Saik OV, Königs C, et al. My cough never left me in spite of taking Monetelukast (with Cetirizine) everyday since my diagnosis. They are often used along with ACE inhibitors, and some people are switched from an ACE inhibitor to an ARB due to the ACE inhibitor-associated cough. Beta-blockers and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors are the most likely to cause you to experience respiratory problems. And diuretics, which are safe for people with asthma, may exacerbate the side effects of some asthma medications. Richard N. Fogoros, MD, is a retired professor of medicine and board-certified internal medicine physician and cardiologist. You are likely to be prescribed a lower dose of asthma medication (with fewer potential side effects) if you take them as scheduled and avoid your asthma triggers as much as you can. They may also be used in an eye drop form for treating glaucoma. 2020;20(3):321-327.doi:10.2174/1871530319666190828145854, Murad H, Ghabrah T, Rafeeq M, Ali S. Subdiuretic dose of furosemide enhances albuterol effects in asthmatic mice rather than bumetanide. It can also help prevent heart attack or heart damage after a heart attack. Should You Use Your Bronchodilator or Steroid Inhaler First? High blood pressure is also called hypertension. How to Treat Diastolic Dysfunction and Heart Failure, renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS), Hypertension and asthma: A comorbid relationship, Respiratory effect of beta-blockers in people with asthma and cardiovascular disease: population-based nested case control study, The presence of underlying asthma should be investigated in patients diagnosed with ACE inhibitor induced cough, The Interplay Between Asthma and Other Diseases: Role of Ca2+/cAMP Signalling, Subdiuretic dose of furosemide enhances albuterol effects in asthmatic mice rather than bumetanide, Low-dose l-isoproterenol versus salbutamol in hospitalized pediatric patients with severe acute exacerbation of asthma: A double-blind, randomized controlled trial, Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. While hypertension medications can worsen asthma symptoms, asthma medications usually don't induce or worsen hypertension. This causes them to constrict, which leads to shortness of breath and wheezing.. Asthma and risk of cardiovascular disease or all-cause mortality: a meta-analysis. They relax and widen the blood vessels by inhibiting the action of calcium, which plays a major role in activating muscles. How Asthma Medications Affect Blood Pressure, Ⓒ 2021 About, Inc. (Dotdash) — All rights reserved, Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Most of the time, medications used for treating asthma are inhaled, so they have a concentrated effect on the lungs and don't have significant systemic (throughout the body) action. Asthma treatments may pose a risk for people who have a pre-existing heart condition. Respiratory effect of beta-blockers in people with asthma and cardiovascular disease: population-based nested case control study. The presence of underlying asthma should be investigated in patients diagnosed with ACE inhibitor induced cough. But it does highlight the importance of good asthma control during pregnancy. They specifically prevent reabsorption of sodium by the kidneys, which then leads to the elimination of excess water in the urine as the body balances the concentration of water and sodium. Managing asthma requires taking your other medical conditions and medications into account. Is Accupril the Right ACE Inhibitor for Me? Chronic high blood pressure leads to arteriosclerosis that can cause subsequent illnesses such as strokes, heart attacks, or visual disorders. At Apomeds, you will find a range of medicines in the field of chronic diseases. Selective beta-1 blockers. As the body rids itself of excess water, pressure on the blood vessels is reduced, and blood pressure is lowered. ACE inhibitors are a class of medications used to treat hypertension, or high blood pressure. J Allergy Clin Immunol. I was prescribed Losartan for my high blood pressure in March, 2012 (when I was 57 years old). Medications & Asthma Beta-blockers, over-the-counter pain relievers like non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), including aspirin, and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors are widely used medicines that can trigger asthma symptoms. They are beta-blockers, meaning they have the opposite effect of beta-agonists. While hypertension medications can worsen asthma symptoms, asthma medications usually don't induce or worsen hypertension. StatPearls. Because they don't have a strong effect on the airways, beta-1 selective blockers are considered safer than non-selective beta-blockers for people who have asthma.. Many medications can be used to treat high blood pressure. Many people depend on them, but many asthma sufferers find them problematic. Sympathomimetics The effects of bronchodilator adrenoceptor agonist drugs in hypertension have not been adequately studied, and a survey of the extensive literature on catecholamine cardiovascular effects reveals considerable variations in the findings of individual investigators. Because you have beta receptors in your lungs as well, these drugs can also block beta receptors on respiratory passages and irritate the airways if you have asthma. The most common ones are corticosteroids, beta-2 agonists, leukotriene modifiers, anticholinergics, and immunomodulators. Use Caution When Taking Beta-Blockers If You Have Lung Disease, How CPAP for Sleep Apnea Can Help With Asthma Symptoms, Why the Flu Is Different for People With Asthma, The Surprising Link Between Asthma and Pneumonia. Because your asthma can change over time, work closely with your doctor to track your symptoms and adjust your asthma medications, if needed. By using Verywell Health, you accept our, Asthma Medications' Effect on Blood Pressure, The Difference Between Inhaled and Oral Corticosteroids for Asthma, Common Inhalers for the Treatment of Asthma, An Overview of High Blood Pressure During Pregnancy, How Hypertension Medications Affect Asthma, Why Hypertension Medications Can Be Problematic for People With Asthma, What You Need to Know about Asthma During Pregnancy, These Are the Best and Safest Medicines for Asthma. Antihypertensives fall into several categories: What your doctor prescribes is based on a number of factors, including your age, your other medical issues, allergies, and potential interactions with your other prescriptions. Beta-2 agonists include long-acting beta-2 agonists (LABAs), used for ongoing asthma management, and short-acting types (SABAs), used for acute attacks. While some allergy medicines pose risks to people with heart problems, several classes of drugs offer relief and will not raise blood pressure. 1  2008;65(4):580-6.doi:10.1111/j.1365-2125.2007.03077.x, Martel MJ, Rey E, Beauchesne MF, et al. By using Verywell Health, you accept our, Dry Cough Caused by Lisinopril and Other ACE Inhibitors. Any change in heart function can lead to hypertension, especially if a major cardiac event, such as a heart attack, occurs. The safest approach is to stick to your recommended asthma medicine dose and alert your doctor if you are experiencing an increase in your asthma symptoms. Atenolol is used to treat high blood pressure and chest pain. Dr. Amrita Dosanjh answered 35 years experience Pediatrics and Pediatric Pulmonology Comorbidity of asthma and hypertension may be mediated by shared genetic dysregulation and drug side effects. If you have asthma, steroid overdose may induce high blood pressure, however. That is one of several good reasons why you should never take more medication than prescribed. Asthma itself is associated with high blood pressure. Atenolol comes only as a tablet you take by mouth. But thiazide diuretics may cause hypokalemia (low potassium) as a side effect. Drugs Affecting the Respiratory System. Calcium is a necessary mineral in muscle contraction (activation), and when it contracts the muscles of the blood vessels, they become narrow. But only they can determine what is best for both managing your asthma and your risk of hypertension exacerbation. Calcium channel blockers are used to lower blood pressure. If you have asthma, they will choose an antihypertensive that both allows you to get good control of your hypertension without affecting your asthma or interfering with its treatment. This clinical trial evaluated the effect of common blood pressure drugs on cardiovascular outcomes in more than 20,000 participants treated at 623 medical centers in … Asthma patients on medications who are also taking diuretics for treatment of high blood pressure are often monitored for their potassium blood levels as both medications can lower the level of potassium in the blood. High blood pressure is often called a “silent killer” because many people have it ... asthma, diabetes, or ... • These drugs are made up of 2 different kinds of blood pressure drugs. Examples of non-selective beta-blockers include: Two types of beta receptors are highly prevalent in the body. Could Acid Reflux Be Triggering Your Asthma? What this means for you is that your doctor might monitor your heart rhythm for changes if you are taking a LABA and or a SABA and already have severe heart disease. Pregnancy can pose some asthma concerns, but for different reasons that are worth noting. Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. If your heart disease worsens or your heart rhythm becomes irregular, your heart function can affect your blood pressure. When you are taking any new medication, it's important that you follow instructions to avoid health problems, and it's also vital that you familiarize yourself with the side effects so you can get in touch with your doctor right away if you experience adverse effects. And remember that lifestyle changes like getting more exercise, eating healthfully, and others can go a long way in helping to manage your hypertension as well. The Interplay Between Asthma and Other Diseases: Role of Ca2+/cAMP Signalling. Patients can select from prescription and over-the-counter drugs that won’t interfere with their heart medications or overwhelm their dosing schedules. Clin Respir J. The reason is that beta-agonists can alter the heart rhythm in people who already have heart conduction problems (issues related to heart rate and rhythm). Read our, Medically reviewed by Richard N. Fogoros, MD, Medically reviewed by Jeffrey S. Lander, MD, Medically reviewed by Benjamin F. Asher, MD, Medically reviewed by Jurairat J. Molina, MD, Verywell Health uses cookies to provide you with a great user experience. Blood pressure medications. Updated January 28, 2020. Beta-1-Selective Beta Blockers. Side-effects of Ace Inhibitors include the development of a persistent, dry cough. Christiansen SC, Schatz M, Yang SJ, Ngor E, Chen W, Zuraw BL. Today high blood pressure is treated with various drugs and among them beta blockers and ACE inhibitors have the most potential to cause problems in patients suffering from asthma. Some of the thiazide diuretics used for treating hypertension include: Diuretic medications are generally considered safe for asthma symptoms.. Medicine. Our nutrition guide can help. Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. Examples of calcium channel blockers used to treat hypertension include: Diuretics are often referred to as "water pills' because they work by eliminating excess water from the body. Aldosterone antagonists block the hormone aldosterone, which sometimes causes salt and fluid retention, contributing to high blood pressure. Medications may trigger asthma symptoms. Many affected people do not realize the critical consequences of chronic conditions on their health. Fluticasone (Flovent) is a steroid inhaler used long-term to prevent … BMC Med. Craig O. Weber, MD, is a board-certified occupational specialist who has practiced for over 36 years. Research will focus on asthma and high blood pressure. Asthma itself is associated with high blood pressure. J Allergy Clin Immunol. Consider how hypertension medications work. Xu M, Xu J, Yang X. Note: Some hypertension drugs are specific beta-antagonists, meaning they zero in on only the beta receptors that will help improve blood pressure. ACE inhibitors widen the blood vessels by reducing the activity of the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), a key enzyme in the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS). This is not correlated with asthma medication use and the cause is not fully understood. Two types of beta receptors are highly prevalent in the body. Use Caution When Taking Beta-Blockers If You Have Lung Disease, Your Complete Guide to Hypertension Drugs, Treating Heart Failure From Dilated Cardiomyopathy, Coughing and Heart Failure: Cardiac Cough Explained, What to Know About Entresto (sacubitril/valsartan), How Lisinopril Improves Heart Attack Survival, Inspra (Eplerenone) Side Effects and Risks, What You Should Know About Cardene (Nicardipine), Losartan: Used to Treat High Blood Pressure and Kidney Damage. This cough can be confused with asthma or may trigger asthma symptoms. J Allergy Clin Immunol Pract. For this reason, if you are prescribed a non-selective beta-blocker when you have asthma, your medical team may carefully monitor your respiratory function and your asthma symptoms. The choice of high blood pressure medication depends on several factors such as a patient’s general health, age, ethnicity, drug sensitivity, and co-existing conditions if any. Tell all your doctors and your pharmacist about each of your medical conditions—even if they seem irrelevant to your conversations—to help educate treatment recommendations. Low-dose l-isoproterenol versus salbutamol in hospitalized pediatric patients with severe acute exacerbation of asthma: A double-blind, randomized controlled trial. Allergol Int. Sci Rep. 2019;9(1):16302.doi:10.1038/s41598-019-52762-w, De vries F, Pouwels S, Bracke M, et al. Corticosteroids used to treat asthma may cause high blood pressure. 2007;119(3):576-82.doi:10.1016/j.jaci.2006.10.034, Eltonsy S, Forget A, Beauchesne MF, Blais L. Risk of congenital malformations for asthmatic pregnant women using a long-acting β₂-agonist and inhaled corticosteroid combination versus higher-dose inhaled corticosteroid monotherapy. Some blood pressure medications (antihypertensives) can worsen asthma by causing the airways in the lungs to narrow. Others are non-specific drugs that counteract beta-1 receptors and beta-2 receptors, which makes them potentially harmful for people with asthma. If your symptoms are not adequately managed with the dosage prescribed for you, speak with your doctor. The effect of asthma inhalers on blood pressure is not measurable except in certain circumstances when people have severe health risks. Looking to start a diet to better manage your high blood pressure? This medication class may cause coughs in about 10% of patients who use them. Research shows that this is not associated with the medication used for treating asthma, but rather the effect of asthma itself.. Hi . High blood pressure is a term that is used to acknowledge that a person’s blood pressure is above what is considered normal. These medications can cause you to experience a cough, wheezing, and breathing difficulties, especially if you have asthma. In fact, if you develop a persistent cough when taking an ACE inhibitor, experts recommend that you have a diagnostic evaluation for asthma.. Richard N. Fogoros, MD, is a retired professor of medicine and board-certified internal medicine physician and cardiologist.