A new study has found that two types of medications used to treat high blood pressure—ACE inhibitors and ARBs—are equally effective for people starting treatment. However, ARBs may cause fewer side effects, making them a potentially better option for some patients.
High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a common condition that affects millions of people worldwide and increases the risk of serious health problems like heart attacks and strokes.
To control blood pressure, doctors often prescribe medications that help relax blood vessels, reducing the strain on the heart. Two common types of these medications are angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs).
Both medicines target the same hormonal system in the body called the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, which regulates blood pressure. ACE inhibitors work by blocking an enzyme that produces angiotensin, a chemical that tightens blood vessels.
By reducing angiotensin levels, blood vessels stay wider and more relaxed. On the other hand, ARBs stop angiotensin from attaching to receptors in the blood vessels, preventing it from tightening the vessels.
Despite their similarities, ACE inhibitors are often prescribed more frequently than ARBs. The new study, led by researchers at Geisinger Medical Center, aimed to determine whether one type of medication was more effective or safer for people just starting treatment for high blood pressure.
The researchers analyzed data from nearly 3 million patients in the United States, Germany, and South Korea. These individuals were starting blood pressure medication for the first time and had no history of heart disease or stroke.
The findings revealed that ACE inhibitors and ARBs were equally effective in lowering blood pressure. However, ARBs were less likely to cause side effects, such as persistent coughing, which is a common issue with ACE inhibitors.
This insight is significant because choosing the right medication can make a big difference in a patient’s quality of life.
Side effects often lead people to stop taking their medications, which can result in poorly controlled blood pressure and a higher risk of complications. The study’s results suggest that starting with ARBs might improve patients’ overall experience with treatment.
In medical guidelines, several types of medications, including ACE inhibitors, ARBs, calcium channel blockers, and diuretics, are recommended as first-line options for treating high blood pressure.
Doctors typically decide based on the patient’s specific health needs and potential side effects. This study provides additional evidence to support the use of ARBs as a good option, especially for people concerned about side effects.
It’s worth noting that the study focused only on people who were beginning treatment for high blood pressure and taking a single medication. The results might not apply to those who are already on ACE inhibitors or using multiple drugs to manage their condition.
In addition to medication, lifestyle changes like regular exercise, a healthy diet, and stress management are essential for controlling high blood pressure. Even when medication is necessary, these habits can enhance the treatment’s effectiveness and reduce the risk of long-term complications.
The study, conducted by RuiJun Chen and colleagues, was published in Hypertension. These findings offer a clearer path for patients and doctors to choose effective and tolerable treatments for high blood pressure, promoting better health outcomes for millions of people.
If you care about heart health, please read studies that yogurt may help lower the death risks in heart disease, and coconut sugar could help reduce artery stiffness.
For more information about health, please see recent studies that Vitamin D deficiency can increase heart disease risk, and results showing vitamin B6 linked to lower death risk in heart disease.
Copyright © 2024 Knowridge Science Report. All rights reserved.
