Many people have high blood pressure in older age, and sometimes it’s hard to control. That problem is called resistant hypertension — blood pressure that stays above a set goal, such as 140/90 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg), despite taking three classes of blood pressure drugs (including a diuretic) at the highest tolerable doses. The condition is a major risk factor for stroke, heart disease, dementia, and more. What can you do to tame it?

Reassess all medications

Bring your doctor a list of all the medications you are taking, or bring a bag with all the medication bottles. Include over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and supplements. The list, or bag, of medicines can help your doctor identify drugs or supplements that may be raising your pressure.

For example, taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) can raise blood pressure. So can decongestants (such as phenylephrine found in many cold medicines), certain antidepressants, and corticosteroids. For example: "Alternative medications or physical therapy to relieve arthritis pain can decrease or eliminate the need for NSAIDs, helping reduce blood pressure in some patients," says Harvard cardiologist Dr. Deepak L. Bhatt, editor in chief of the Harvard Heart Letter.

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