If you have high blood pressure (hypertension), you may have been prescribed medication to help manage the condition. And while adding an over-the-counter vitamin or supplement may seem like a good idea, many of them can potentially do more harm than good.
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Cardiologist Luke Laffin, MD, explains which vitamins and supplements to avoid with high blood pressure.
Vitamins and supplements to avoid with high blood pressure
Before you start taking any over-the-counter (OTC) vitamins or supplements, Dr. Laffin stresses the importance of talking to your healthcare provider first about how they may interact with your blood pressure medication or worsen your condition. Many supplements may raise your blood pressure, increase your heart rate or make certain medications less effective.
“Supplements aren’t as well-regulated as prescription medications are by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA),” stresses Dr. Laffin. “That means formulas and ingredients in supplements could be inconsistent. It could have additives that have the potential for adverse effects or interactions with your medicine.”
Some of the vitamins and supplements you should avoid include:
Arnica
You may have applied arnica, an herb used in traditional medicine, topically to your skin to help with muscle and joint pain.
While it’s typically safe for most people to use topically, you should avoid arnica if you have high blood pressure. It can make your blood pressure medication less effective. And never ingest arnica — it comes with the potential to cause a rapid heartbeat, high blood pressure and even heart damage.
Asian ginseng
This Chinese medicinal herb may boost your alertness and help strengthen your immune system, but that doesn’t mean it’s a good idea for people with high blood pressure.
“Ginseng is a stimulant, so it may actually increase your sympathetic nervous system and increase your heart rate and blood pressure,” warns Dr. Laffin.
Bitter orange
Bitter orange supplements are often used for weight loss or to enhance sports performance. In some cases, people may use it to help relieve nausea or constipation. But when it comes to your blood pressure, the research is mixed.
Some studies show that bitter orange can raise your blood pressure and heart rate, while other studies have conflicting results. Dr. Laffin says it’s best to steer clear of this supplement, as there isn’t enough conclusive research.
Guarana
A plant native to the Amazon, guarana contains seeds that are known for their high caffeine content. Taking a guarana supplement or consuming energy drinks with guarana can negatively affect your heart health.
“You wouldn’t want to take guarana with high blood pressure,” states Dr. Laffin. “It can increase your heart rate and potentially increase your blood pressure. It’s essentially caffeine on overdrive.”
Licorice root
Licorice root contains a compound known as glycyrrhizin.
“Glycyrrhizin mimics the actions of a hormone in your body called aldosterone,” explains Dr. Laffin. “Aldosterone causes you to hold on to sodium, lose potassium and can increase your blood pressure.”
St. John’s wort
This herbal supplement may be used to help treat symptoms of depression.
“St John’s wort works through the CYP3A4 system in your liver. It’s responsible for metabolizing medications,” outlines Dr. Laffin. “So, St. John’s wort actually interacts with many medications because a lot of medications work through this system as well.”
Dr. Laffin stresses the importance of being careful when using St. John’s wort, as it can interact not only with antidepressants, but also with cardiovascular medications, like anticoagulation and anti-arrhythmic drugs.
“It doesn’t really have a direct effect on your blood pressure, but it can change the efficacy of drugs,” he adds.
Vitamin E
There’s mixed research on whether vitamin E supplements can reduce your blood pressure.
“There’s some data that vitamin E doesn’t lower blood pressure. There’s also data that it may increase the risk of bleeding and particularly hemorrhagic strokes,” confirms Dr. Laffin. “So, it’s best to avoid vitamin E if you have high blood pressure.”
Yohimbe
The bark of evergreen trees contains a plant compound known as yohimbe. The ingredient is used in products and supplements for weight loss and sexual performance.
There’s very little research on yohimbe. Reported side effects include increased blood pressure, increased heart rate and even heart attacks.
What about a multivitamin?
In most situations, it’s OK to take a multivitamin. But talk to your doctor first.
“Most people don’t need anything beyond a multivitamin. More is not better,” stresses Dr. Laffin. “You should focus on getting the nutrients and vitamins you need through a diet rich in fruits and vegetables.”
Why it’s important to talk to your doctor about supplements
As vitamins and supplements aren’t regulated by the FDA, it’s worth having a conversation with your healthcare provider about any you’re thinking of taking. Your doctor can discuss any potential side effects or medication interactions.
“Even if supplements are considered ‘natural,’ that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re safe,” concludes Dr. Laffin.
