High blood pressure is a problem for one out of every ten adults and can lead to severe issues like heart attacks and strokes. Typically, people try to control it with lifestyle changes and medications.
Three popular drugs for this are ACE-inhibitors, beta-blockers, and calcium channel blockers. While these medicines help millions, we don’t know all their side effects yet.
Digging Deep into the Drugs
Researchers from Imperial College London decided to get to the bottom of these medications. Using a technique that studies genes, they first figured out which proteins these drugs target to lower blood pressure.
They then examined the genes of about 750,000 people to find natural versions that do the same thing.
Uncovering an Unexpected Link
Next, the researchers wanted to know if these proteins could affect the chances of getting other diseases. They checked the risk for almost 900 different conditions, using data from a big study in the UK.
What they found was surprising: one kind of calcium channel blocker was tied to a higher risk of developing bowel issues, like diverticulosis, where small pouches appear in the intestine lining.
This condition is more common in older folks and can sometimes lead to serious problems.
The scientists think the medication might interfere with how muscles in the intestines work, affecting how food moves through the digestive system.
But they also want to make it clear: don’t stop taking your high blood pressure medicine without talking to your doctor. These findings are still new and need more study.
What’s the Next Step?
This research opens the door to better understanding how blood pressure medicines might have unexpected side effects.
The team behind the study says future work should look at how to manage these potential risks while still effectively treating high blood pressure.
In summary, while medicines for high blood pressure are crucial for many, it’s also essential to know their side effects.
This study shows a surprising link between a common blood pressure medication and bowel conditions. But more research is needed, and it’s always good to consult your doctor if you have concerns about your medication.
If you care about blood pressure, please read studies about how diets could help lower high blood pressure, and 3 grams of omega-3s a day keep high blood pressure at bay.
For more information about nutrition, please see recent studies that beetroot juice could help reduce blood pressure, and results showing cinnamon could help lower high blood pressure.
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