Widely used blood pressure medications linked to bowel problems

Credit: Unsplash+.

High blood pressure is a common health issue affecting one in ten adults. It can lead to severe health problems like heart attacks and strokes.

To manage high blood pressure, people often make lifestyle changes and take medications.

Three popular types of medication for high blood pressure are ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, and calcium channel blockers.

These drugs help millions of people, but there is still much we don’t know about their side effects.

Researchers at Imperial College London wanted to learn more about these medications. They used a technique that studies genes to find out which proteins these drugs target to lower blood pressure. Then, they looked at the genes of around 750,000 people to find natural versions that work the same way.

They wanted to see if these proteins could also affect the chances of getting other diseases. So, they checked the risk for nearly 900 different conditions, using data from a large study in the UK.

To their surprise, they found that one type of calcium channel blocker was linked to a higher risk of developing bowel problems, such as diverticulosis.

This condition causes small pouches to form in the lining of the intestine. It is more common in older people and can sometimes lead to serious issues.

The scientists think the medication might affect how muscles in the intestines work, which could impact how food moves through the digestive system.

However, they caution against stopping any high blood pressure medication without consulting a doctor, as these findings are still new and need further study.

This research sheds light on how blood pressure medications might have unexpected side effects. The study suggests that future research should focus on managing these potential risks while still effectively treating high blood pressure.

In summary, while high blood pressure medications are vital for many people, it is important to be aware of their potential side effects.

This study reveals a surprising link between a common blood pressure drug and bowel conditions, highlighting the need for more research. If you have concerns about your medication, it’s always best to talk to your doctor.

If you care about blood pressure, please read studies about blood pressure drug that may increase risk of sudden cardiac arrest, and these teas could help reduce high blood pressure.

For more information about health, please see recent studies about nutrient that could strongly lower high blood pressure, and results showing this novel antioxidant may help reverse blood vessels aging by 20 years.

Copyright © 2024 Knowridge Science Report. All rights reserved.