If you’re among the millions of people controlling high b00d pressure (hypertension), your daily routine likely includes some mixture of medication, diet, and lifestyle changes. But did you know that certain common pills—even over-the-counter ones—could be silently raising your bl00d pressure and increasing your risk of stroke or heart atta.ck?

Here are the medications you should think twice about if you have high blood pressure:

 Decongestants (e.g., pseudoephedrine, phenylephrine)

Found in many cold and flu medications, these ingredients narrow bl00d vessels to ease swelling in the nasal passages—but they also increase bl00d pressure. Many people unknowingly spike their BP while treating a common cold!

 NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen)

While effective for pain relief, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can cause your body to keep sodium and water, making your heart work harder. Chronic use can raise the risk of kidney damage and uncontrolled hypertension.

 Certain Birth Control Pills

Some oral contraceptives can raise bl00d pressure by affecting hormone levels and fluid retention. If you’re over 35 and smoke or have pre-existing hypertension, this combo can be especially dangerous.