What would most likely explain a high blood pressure reading in this patient?

• A. High-sodium diet
• B. Frequent intake of Ibuprofen
• C. Anxiety
• D. Caffeine intake

Answer: (B)

Frequent ibuprofen use can raise blood pressure because NSAIDs inhibit prostaglandin production in the kidneys. This reduces the kidney’s ability to dilate the afferent arteriole, leading to less blood flow, sodium and water retention, and ultimately higher blood pressure. This effect can persist with regular use, making it a more likely cause of a elevated reading than brief caffeine or anxiety-related spikes, which are usually short-lived. A high-sodium diet can contribute to higher BP too, but without patient-specific data, the pharmacologic impact of NSAIDs like ibuprofen provides the strongest and most consistent explanation for a high reading. If NSAID use is frequent, addressing it or choosing alternatives can help bring BP under better control.