A recent study by Columbia University has revealed that one of the most commonly prescribed drugs for high blood pressure, ACE inhibitors, might not be the best option for many patients.
The research suggests that another type of medication, called thiazide diuretics, could be a better choice because it reduces the risk of serious heart problems and causes fewer side effects. Despite this, thiazide diuretics are prescribed far less frequently than ACE inhibitors.
Doctors treating high blood pressure have several medication options, including thiazide diuretics, ACE inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs), and calcium channel blockers.
However, there isn’t much strong evidence to guide which drug should be prescribed first. Current medical guidelines often rely on expert opinions rather than data from large-scale studies, which can lead to inconsistent prescribing practices.
This new study analyzed health data from about 5 million patients who had recently started treatment for high blood pressure. Researchers aimed to determine which medication provided the best outcomes for patients.
They found that nearly half of these patients—48%—were initially prescribed ACE inhibitors. In contrast, only 17% started with thiazide diuretics, even though these drugs delivered better results.
The findings were significant. Patients who began treatment with thiazide diuretics had a 15% lower risk of major heart problems, such as heart attacks, strokes, or heart failure, compared to those who started with ACE inhibitors.
Additionally, thiazide diuretics caused fewer side effects. Patients on ACE inhibitors were more likely to experience 19 different side effects, including kidney problems and a persistent cough.
Researchers estimated that if all the patients in the study had started with thiazide diuretics instead of ACE inhibitors, about 3,100 major heart-related events could have been prevented.
This highlights the need to rethink which medications are prescribed first for high blood pressure.
Thiazide diuretics have been a trusted treatment for high blood pressure for decades. They work by helping the kidneys remove extra salt and water from the body, which lowers blood pressure.
On the other hand, ACE inhibitors work by relaxing blood vessels, making it easier for the heart to pump blood. While both are effective, this research suggests that thiazide diuretics may offer greater benefits for many patients.
The study’s lead researcher, George Hripcsak, and his team emphasized the importance of basing medical decisions on the best available data.
If thiazide diuretics can prevent more heart problems and cause fewer side effects, they should be considered as the first-line treatment for high blood pressure more often.
These findings challenge current prescribing practices and could influence future guidelines. By reconsidering which medications to prescribe first, doctors may be able to improve patient outcomes, prevent serious health issues, and reduce side effects.
For patients, this could mean safer and more effective treatment options for managing high blood pressure.
The study, published in The Lancet, underscores the importance of ongoing research to ensure that treatments are not just effective, but also the best choice for patients’ overall health.
If you care about high blood pressure, please read studies about potatoes and high blood pressure, and top 10 choices for a blood pressure-friendly diet
For more information about high blood pressure, please see recent studies about impact of vitamins on high blood pressure you need to know, and the powerful link between high blood pressure and a potassium-rich diet.
Copyright © 2024 Knowridge Science Report. All rights reserved.
