During Cold And Flu Season (NAPSA)—Coldsandflu bring spe- cial considerationsfor people with high blood pressure, especially those on bloodpressure medication. Here’s how to keep yourbloodpressurestable: DO: Keeptrack of medication. The American Heart Association’s online tools at wwwheart.org/hbp include a downloadable chart to manage medications anda trackerthatlets people set up text message reminders, text in their People with high blood pressure should consult a doctor before takreadings, track their blood pressure and ing any cold medicine. connect with providers. DON’T: Miss your flu shot. Peo- ple whogeta flu shot may reduce their risk of heart attack or stroke. Stay away from people who are sick and wash your handsregularly. DO: Read labels on over-the-counter (OTC)cold andflu medicines. Lookfor warnings to those with high bloodpres- sure and whotake blood pressure med- ications. Someingredients in cold and flu medicines canaffect blood pressure. Decongestants, used for a stuffy nose or congestion, and somepain relievers, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), are known to raise blood pressure. Decongestantsinclude: + Oxymetazoline + Phenylephrine + Pseudoephedrine. NSAIDsinclude: + ibuprofen naproxen sodium celecoxib. Check with your doctor before taking these medicines. A decongestant should be used for only the shortest amountof time possible—and never by someone with severe or uncontrolled high bloodpressure. DON’T: Try to replace your pre- scriptions with supplements. There are nospecialpills, vitamins or drinks that can substitute for prescription medicationsandlifestyle modifications. Talk to yourhealth care provider before taking any over-the-counter drug or supplement that claims to lower blood pressure. “Your doctor andotherhealth care providers should know which over-thecounter medicines or supplements you are taking” said Willie E. Lawrence, M.D., chief of cardiology at Research Medical Center, Kansas City, Mo. “If something claims tobe ‘natural’ or you don't need a prescription,it’s not necessarily benign.Its still a substance that hasan effect on your body” DO: Work with your health care practitioner. “If you have high blood pressure, it's important to know that some medicines, even supplements, will affect you differently” Dr. Lawrence adds.“If you're struggling to keep your pressure controlled, review your routines—including over-the-counter medicines and supplements—andtalk with your doctor about changes you can make. You should neverbe too busy to manageyour bloodpressure” Learn more at www.heart.org/hbp. + Coricidin HBP, product of Bayer Consumer Health, is a sponsor of the AHA Hypertension Web content area.
