Does Voltaren Raise Blood Pressure? A Comprehensive Look at the Cardiovascular Risks

October 5, 2025 •

2 min read

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), non-aspirin nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like Voltaren (diclofenac) can increase the risk of a heart attack or stroke, carrying a boxed warning to alert patients to these potential dangers. Therefore, understanding the answer to the question, does Voltaren raise blood pressure?, is crucial for safe medication use.

Quick Summary

Voltaren, and other NSAIDs, can cause or worsen high blood pressure, especially with higher doses or longer-term use. The risk is present with both oral and topical formulations, though oral has a higher systemic effect.

Key Points

Blood Pressure Elevation Risk: Voltaren, like other NSAIDs, can increase blood pressure, and this effect is a known cardiovascular risk highlighted by the FDA.
Mechanism of Action: The medication raises blood pressure by causing fluid retention and reducing blood vessel dilation through its effect on prostaglandins in the kidneys.
Oral vs. Topical: Oral Voltaren has a higher systemic absorption and a greater risk of elevating blood pressure compared to the topical gel, but the topical version is not risk-free, especially with overuse.
High-Risk Individuals: People with pre-existing hypertension, heart failure, or kidney disease are at a higher risk of experiencing a blood pressure increase or other cardiovascular events with Voltaren use.
Drug Interactions: Voltaren can interfere with common blood pressure medications, making them less effective and further complicating blood pressure management.
Safe Alternatives: Acetaminophen is generally a safer alternative for pain relief for individuals with high blood pressure, and other non-medication therapies can also be effective.

Voltaren, a brand name for the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) diclofenac, is a widely used medication for pain relief, particularly for conditions like arthritis. However, like other NSAIDs, it carries significant cardiovascular risks, including the potential to increase blood pressure. This effect is so serious that the FDA mandates a boxed warning for all non-aspirin NSAIDs, including Voltaren, highlighting the increased risk of heart attack, heart failure, and stroke.

How Voltaren Affects Blood Pressure

The active ingredient in Voltaren, diclofenac, can influence your blood pressure. Understanding this mechanism helps explain why and how the medication can be dangerous for some individuals, especially those with pre-existing cardiovascular conditions.

The Mechanism of Action

NSAIDs like diclofenac inhibit enzymes called cyclooxygenases (COX), which produce prostaglandins. Prostaglandins promote vasodilation and regulate kidney function. By blocking prostaglandins, Voltaren can lead to increased blood pressure through sodium and water retention and reduced blood vessel dilation. This effect can also interfere with certain blood pressure medications.

Oral vs. Topical Voltaren

Voltaren is available in both oral and topical forms, with differing systemic absorption and blood pressure risks.


Feature	Oral Voltaren (Pills)	Topical Voltaren (Gel)
Systemic Absorption	Higher	Lower
Blood Pressure Risk	Higher risk	Lower risk, but still possible
Cardiovascular Risk	Elevated risk of serious events	Reduced risk compared to oral forms
Risk Factors for Elevation	Greater risk with pre-existing conditions	Possible in sensitive individuals or with improper use
Medical Advice	Crucial for all patients, especially with heart disease	Still recommended to consult a doctor if risks exist

Key Risk Factors and Drug Interactions

Some individuals are at a higher risk of experiencing a blood pressure increase while taking Voltaren. Individuals with pre-existing hypertension, heart failure, kidney disease, older adults, and those with other cardiovascular risk factors are at higher risk. Voltaren can interact with medications such as blood pressure medications (diuretics, ACE inhibitors, and ARBs), other NSAIDs, and anticoagulants, increasing various health risks.

How to Manage Pain Safely

If you have high blood pressure or other cardiovascular risk factors, discussing pain management options with a healthcare provider is essential. Regular blood pressure monitoring is crucial when taking Voltaren, and any sustained increase or related symptoms should be reported to your doctor immediately. Acetaminophen, topical treatments (used cautiously), and non-medication therapies like physical therapy can be safer alternatives for pain management.

Conclusion

Voltaren (diclofenac) can raise blood pressure, particularly in its oral form, and poses a cardiovascular risk, especially for individuals with pre-existing conditions. Topical application carries a lower but not zero risk. Consulting a healthcare provider is crucial to assess individual risk factors and determine the safest pain management plan, which may include alternatives like acetaminophen. For more information on medication safety, refer to resources like {Link: Dr. Oracle https://www.droracle.ai/articles/129712/does-topical-application-of-voltaren-increases-blood-pressur} or the {Link: American Heart Association website https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/HYPERTENSIONAHA.122.19315}.

Frequently Asked Questions

Voltaren gel has a lower systemic absorption than oral forms, meaning it has a lower risk of significantly affecting blood pressure. However, it is not without risk, especially for individuals with pre-existing hypertension or heart failure. It is essential to use the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration and consult a doctor if you have any cardiovascular risk factors.

Voltaren (diclofenac) raises blood pressure by inhibiting prostaglandins in the kidneys, leading to sodium and water retention. This increases blood volume and constricts blood vessels, forcing the heart to work harder and raising blood pressure.

Yes. The FDA has issued a boxed warning for all non-aspirin NSAIDs, including Voltaren, stating that they can increase the risk of heart attack or stroke, and this risk may increase with higher doses or longer-term use.

You should monitor for signs such as swelling in the arms, legs, or feet (edema), unusual tiredness, sudden weight gain, or shortness of breath. If you notice a sustained increase in your blood pressure, contact your doctor immediately.

Yes. Voltaren can reduce the effectiveness of many blood pressure drugs, including ACE inhibitors, ARBs, and diuretics. This can make your existing medication regimen less effective at controlling your blood pressure.

A safer alternative for pain relief is often acetaminophen (Tylenol), as it does not affect blood pressure in the same way as NSAIDs. Always consult your healthcare provider to find the most appropriate and safest pain management option for your specific health needs.

Yes. Medical guidelines recommend that blood pressure be monitored closely when initiating NSAID treatment, including Voltaren, and throughout the course of therapy. This is especially important for patients with pre-existing hypertension.