High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a common health condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It occurs when the force of blood against the artery walls is too strong, which can damage blood vessels over time and increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and kidney problems.
Why High Blood Pressure Matters
Many factors contribute to high blood pressure, including:
- Genetics and age – Some people are more likely to develop hypertension due to family history or aging.
- Unhealthy lifestyle habits – A diet high in salt and saturated fats, smoking, lack of exercise, and obesity can raise blood pressure.
- The “silent killer” – Hypertension often has no symptoms, meaning people may not know they have it until complications arise. Regular blood pressure checks are essential for early detection and treatment.
Can Blood Pressure Medication Harm the Kidneys?
Doctors often prescribe medications to help control high blood pressure. Common types include:
- Diuretics – Help the body remove excess salt and water.
- ACE inhibitors and ARBs – Relax blood vessels to lower blood pressure.
- Beta-blockers – Slow the heart rate to reduce strain.
- Calcium channel blockers – Relax blood vessels and reduce heart workload.
However, a new study from the University of Virginia suggests that long-term use of certain blood pressure medications may lead to kidney damage.
What Did the Study Find?
Researchers found that renin cells, which are special kidney cells that help regulate blood pressure, can undergo harmful changes when exposed to long-term use of renin-angiotensin system inhibitors like ACE inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs).
Instead of functioning normally, these renin cells invade the walls of kidney blood vessels, causing them to thicken and stiffen. This reduces proper blood flow in the kidneys, which could contribute to long-term kidney damage.
The study showed this effect in both lab mice and humans, raising concerns about the long-term impact of these widely used blood pressure medications.
What Should Patients Do?
Despite these findings, doctors emphasize that blood pressure medications are often lifesaving and should not be stopped without medical advice. Uncontrolled hypertension can cause much greater harm than potential side effects.
To manage blood pressure safely:
- Follow your doctor’s advice – Never stop or adjust medication without consulting a healthcare provider.
- Monitor blood pressure at home – Keeping track of readings can help identify any issues early.
- Adopt a heart-healthy lifestyle – Reduce salt intake, exercise regularly, and maintain a healthy weight.
- Practice stress management – Relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or walking can help keep blood pressure under control.
The Future of Blood Pressure Treatment
The researchers, led by Dr. Maria Luisa Sequeira Lopez, call for more studies to better understand these long-term effects. They believe this research could lead to improved treatment options that protect both the heart and kidneys.
This study highlights the importance of personalized treatment plans for hypertension. As research continues, doctors may develop safer and more effective ways to manage blood pressure while minimizing potential risks.
The findings were published in JCI Insight and add to the growing knowledge of how blood pressure medications affect overall health.
If you care about health, please read studies about the benefits of low-dose lithium supplements, and what we know about egg intake and heart disease.
For more health information, please see recent studies about potatoes and high blood pressure, and results showing 6 best breads for people with heart disease.
Copyright © 2025 Knowridge Science Report. All rights reserved.
