A side effect ofprednisoneis increased blood pressure.
Prednisone is commonly used to help reduce inflammation, relieve pain, and reduce discomfort.
It is part of a group of medications calledcorticosteroidsor just steroids.
Illustration by Mira Norian for Verywell Health
Prednisone is a human-made (synthetic) version of steroids that are naturally made in the body.
When youre taking prednisone, your body holds on to sodium and loses potassium.
This, in turn, can cause increases in your blood pressure.
Another way that prednisone can increase blood pressure is weight gain.
Research has shown that people with obesity have a five timeshigher risk of high blood pressure.
Warning Signs of High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure often has no symptoms.
Thus, it has a reputation for being the “silent killer.”
Remember, living with uncontrolled high blood pressure can damage your health over time.
Ask your provider how often you should be checking your blood pressure.
They also might want you to monitor your blood pressure to see how your body is responding to prednisone.
Lifestyle changes can be made to help prevent high blood pressure.
Limiting the salt in your diet can help with high blood pressure.
You should limit your salt intake to 2 grams (or 2000 milligrams) of sodium per day.
Are There Alternative Drugs to Prednisone That Dont Cause High Blood Pressure?
Steroids other than prednisone such asmethylprednisoloneanddexamethasonecan also cause hypertension.
For example, arthritis may be treated with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
If you have lupus, you might be able to take antimalarials or immunosuppressives.
In the case of COPD, your provider may prescribe bronchodilators.
The right treatment will depend on your specific condition and overall health needs.
Depending on why you gotta take prednisone, you might have other treatment options.
2019;99:154-165. doi:10.1016/j.psyneuen.2018.09.007
Aronow WS.Association of obesity with hypertension.Ann Transl Med.
2017;5(17):350-350. doi:10.21037/atm.2017.06.69
World Health Organization.Hypertension.
Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS).Steroid Side Effects: How to Reduce Drug Side Effects of Corticosteroids.
American Heart Association.Five Simple Steps to Control Your Blood Pressure.
