High Blood Pressure? What Your Meds may not be Telling you

Nearly half of all adults in the United States (about 116 million, or 47 percent) have high blood pressure, a condition that increases the risk of heart disease and stroke.

Although asymptomatic, the likelihood of developing high blood pressure increases as we age, making it a serious problem for many people. While medication is often necessary, making some dietary modifications can help reduce the risk of developing high blood pressure.

Tyramine is a natural byproduct of the amino acid tyrosine and is found in a variety of foods. While high blood levels of tyramine have long been considered a risk factor for migraines, recent evidence suggests that it may also cause a dangerous spike in blood pressure in some people. Those taking MAOIs are particularly at risk and are advised to limit their intake of certain fruits and vegetables.

Monoamine oxidase inhibitors, or MAOIs, are antidepressants that are as effective as other antidepressants on the market. These drugs work by blocking monoamine oxidants, which can cause dangerous increases in blood pressure when consumed with certain foods.

However, MAOIs are no longer the first-line treatment of choice for unipolar depression because of their unpredictable and often severe interactions with various food-derived amines and other medications.

MAOIs, while effective, have often been replaced by newer antidepressants that are safer and have fewer side effects. However, MAOIs can be a good option for some people. In some cases, MAOIs can relieve depression when other treatments have failed.

The key conclusion is that those taking MAOI medications may only need to follow a low tyramine diet to minimize the risk of complications.

Tips About Hypertension:

High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a serious, but treatable, medical condition. It occurs when the pressure of the blood pushing against the walls of your arteries is consistently too high. Left untreated, high blood pressure can lead to life-threatening conditions such as heart attack and stroke.

The exact causes of high blood pressure are still unknown, but certain lifestyle factors can contribute to its development, such as lack of physical activity, poor diet, and smoking. Additionally, certain medications and medical conditions can increase your risk of having high blood pressure.

It’s important to recognize the signs and symptoms of high blood pressure, such as headaches and dizziness, and get regular checkups to monitor your blood pressure. It can be controlled through diet and lifestyle modifications, medications, and other treatments. If you think you might be experiencing high blood pressure, consult your doctor for a proper diagnosis and treatment.