For nearly two decades, researchers at Columbia University followed the health outcomes of more than 730,000 people being treated for high blood pressure. Their goal was to compare two widely prescribed medications: chlorthalidone and hydrochlorothiazide.
Both drugs belong to a group called diuretics, commonly known as “water pills,” which help remove excess fluid from the body to lower blood pressure. This study, spanning 17 years, has provided valuable information about how effective these drugs are and the risks they carry.
The research confirmed that both medications are equally effective at lowering blood pressure and preventing serious complications such as heart attacks, strokes, and heart failure.
However, when it comes to side effects, the two drugs differ significantly. Patients taking chlorthalidone were found to have a much higher risk of certain health problems compared to those taking hydrochlorothiazide.
One of the most concerning findings was the risk of low potassium levels, a condition known as hypokalemia. Potassium is an essential mineral that helps regulate heart function, muscle contractions, and nerve signals. Low potassium can lead to abnormal heart rhythms, muscle weakness, and other serious issues.
The study found that 6.3% of people on chlorthalidone developed low potassium levels, compared to only 1.9% of those on hydrochlorothiazide. This higher risk was seen even when lower doses of chlorthalidone were used.
In addition to low potassium, people taking chlorthalidone were more likely to experience other side effects, such as electrolyte imbalances and kidney problems.
Electrolyte imbalances can cause confusion, fatigue, and low sodium levels in the blood (hyponatremia), while kidney problems can lead to decreased kidney function or even kidney failure. The study also suggested that chlorthalidone might increase the risk of type 2 diabetes, a condition that requires long-term management.
These findings raise questions about why chlorthalidone is often preferred in treatment guidelines for high blood pressure. The research suggests that while chlorthalidone is effective, its potential for serious side effects should make doctors reconsider its widespread use.
Healthcare providers prescribing chlorthalidone should carefully monitor patients for any warning signs of these complications, such as muscle weakness, confusion, or changes in kidney function.
High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a common condition that affects millions of people worldwide. If left untreated, it can lead to life-threatening problems like heart attacks, strokes, and kidney disease. Fortunately, high blood pressure can be managed with a combination of medication and lifestyle changes.
Besides diuretics like chlorthalidone and hydrochlorothiazide, other medications such as ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, and calcium channel blockers are available. The choice of medication depends on the individual’s overall health and any other medical conditions they may have.
Lifestyle changes play a key role in managing high blood pressure. Eating a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables, reducing salt intake, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, limiting alcohol, and quitting smoking can all help lower blood pressure.
Stress management techniques like meditation or yoga may also be beneficial. Regular check-ups and home monitoring of blood pressure are important to ensure that treatment is working effectively.
The study, led by George Hripcsak and his team, was published in JAMA Internal Medicine and emphasizes the importance of ongoing research to improve treatment options for high blood pressure.
By understanding the benefits and risks of different medications, patients and doctors can make better decisions together. For anyone managing high blood pressure, working closely with a healthcare provider is essential for finding the safest and most effective treatment plan.
If you care about high blood pressure, please read studies that early time-restricted eating could help improve blood pressure, and natural coconut sugar could help reduce blood pressure and artery stiffness.
For more health information, please see recent studies about added sugar in your diet linked to higher blood pressure, and results showing vitamin D could improve blood pressure in people with diabetes.
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