A recent study has found that two common types of medicine used to treat high blood pressure—ACE inhibitors and ARBs—are equally effective. However, ARBs may cause fewer side effects, making them a better choice for some patients.
Researchers from Geisinger Medical Center analyzed health records from nearly 3 million people across the United States, Germany, and South Korea. These individuals were just beginning treatment for high blood pressure and had no prior history of heart disease or stroke.
The study compared the effectiveness and side effects of ACE inhibitors (angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors) and ARBs (angiotensin receptor blockers).
Both types of medicine help lower blood pressure by targeting the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, a group of hormones that control blood pressure. ACE inhibitors work by blocking an enzyme that produces angiotensin, a chemical that causes blood vessels to tighten.
By reducing angiotensin levels, blood vessels stay wider, allowing blood to flow more easily. ARBs work differently—they prevent angiotensin from attaching to receptors in blood vessels, stopping the tightening effect.
Despite their similar effectiveness, ACE inhibitors are more commonly prescribed as a first treatment. However, this study suggests that ARBs may be the better option for some patients, as they are linked to fewer side effects.
According to current medical guidelines, several types of medications are recommended for treating high blood pressure. These include thiazide diuretics, ACE inhibitors, ARBs, and calcium channel blockers. Doctors choose a treatment based on a patient’s health history and response to medication.
While medication is important, lifestyle changes such as regular exercise, a healthy diet, and reducing salt intake are also key to managing high blood pressure.
One limitation of the study is that it only looked at people starting blood pressure treatment. The results do not apply to patients who have already been taking ACE inhibitors or those on multiple medications.
This research could help doctors and patients make more informed choices about high blood pressure treatment, improving care while minimizing side effects.
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 information about blood pressure, please see recent studies about How to eat your way to healthy blood pressure and results showing that Modified traditional Chinese cuisine can lower blood pressure.
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