Diverticulosis is a condition that causes small pouches, or bulges, to form in the lining of the intestines. It becomes more common as people age and, while often harmless, it can sometimes lead to serious health problems, even medical emergencies.
High blood pressure — another widespread health issue — affects around one in every ten adults globally. It increases the risk of major health concerns like heart attacks and strokes.
To manage high blood pressure, doctors usually recommend lifestyle changes and prescribe medications. Among the most common types of blood pressure medicines are ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, and calcium channel blockers.
Now, a new study from Imperial College London has taken a closer look at these widely used drugs to better understand how they might affect the body in unexpected ways. Although millions of people take these medications daily, their possible long-term side effects aren’t fully understood.
The research, led by Dr. Dipender Gill, used a unique method called genetic analysis. This involves studying how small differences in people’s genes can mimic the effects of certain medications.
The team first identified the proteins in the body that the blood pressure medications target — proteins that help reduce blood pressure. Then, they searched through genetic data from about 750,000 people to find versions of genes that influence how those proteins work.
With this genetic information, the team tested whether people with these gene variants had a higher or lower risk of developing other health conditions. They looked at around 900 different diseases using data from the UK Biobank, a large health research database.
What they found was surprising: a particular group of calcium channel blockers — known as non-dihydropyridinecalcium channel blockers — was linked to a higher risk of developing diverticulosis.
The researchers believe this may be due to the way these medications affect the muscles in the intestines. These muscles help move food along the digestive tract. If the medicine affects how these muscles contract, it might lead to changes in bowel movement patterns and contribute to the development of pouches in the intestinal wall.
It’s important to note that this study doesn’t prove that the medication directly causes diverticulosis. It simply shows a possible link that needs more investigation. Still, it’s a valuable finding that could guide future research and help doctors understand how to minimize side effects while still treating high blood pressure effectively.
Despite the findings, the researchers are urging caution. They emphasize that patients should not stop taking their prescribed blood pressure medication without first talking to their doctor. Managing high blood pressure is essential to prevent life-threatening complications, and for most people, the benefits of these medications still outweigh the potential risks.
The study, published in the journal Circulation, is an important step in understanding how common medications may have unintended effects on other parts of the body. In the future, this type of research may help tailor treatments more precisely, reducing side effects while keeping blood pressure under control.
If you care about high blood pressure, please read studies about breakfast for better blood pressure management, and the gut feeling that lowers blood pressure.
For more health information, please see recent studies about how the dash diet helps lower blood pressure, and how to eat your way to healthy blood pressure.
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