Scientists have discovered that long-term use of common medications for high blood pressure and heart failure could contribute to kidney damage. While these drugs, including ACE inhibitors, are essential for many patients, researchers are calling for further studies to better understand their long-term impact.
The study, led by researchers from the University of Virginia, was published in JCI Insight. Dr. Maria Luisa Sequeira Lopez and her team investigated why severe high blood pressure often leads to thickened blood vessels in the kidneys, which can cause organ damage.
High blood pressure is a widespread health issue, affecting around one billion people worldwide. Doctors often prescribe medications such as ACE inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers to help manage the condition and reduce the risk of heart failure and heart attacks.
These drugs work by targeting the renin-angiotensin system, which helps regulate blood pressure.
However, the researchers found that a specific type of kidney cell, called renin cells, may play a role in kidney damage. Under normal conditions, these cells produce renin, a hormone that controls blood pressure. But when renin cells behave abnormally, they can invade the walls of kidney blood vessels.
This invasion triggers another type of cell, called smooth muscle cells, to accumulate, making the blood vessels thick and stiff. When this happens, blood flow to the kidneys becomes restricted, which can lead to damage over time.
The study found that long-term use of ACE inhibitors and similar drugs appeared to have a similar effect on the kidney’s blood vessels. The researchers observed hardened kidney vessels in both lab mice and human patients who had used these medications for extended periods.
Despite these findings, the researchers emphasize that patients should not stop taking their medication. These drugs are critical for managing high blood pressure and preventing serious heart problems. However, they stress the need for more research to fully understand how these medications affect the kidneys in the long run.
This study highlights the importance of balancing the benefits of these drugs with their potential long-term effects. As researchers continue to explore these issues, future treatments may be developed to protect kidney health while still effectively managing blood pressure and heart disease.
If you care about blood pressure, please read studies about unhealthy habits that could increase high blood pressure risk, and eating eggs in a healthy diet may reduce risks of diabetes, high blood pressure.
For more information about blood pressure, please see recent studies that early time-restricted eating could help improve blood pressure, and results showing 12 foods that lower blood pressure.
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