Researchers at Columbia University have finished a large and important study on blood pressure medicine. They followed more than 730,000 people for 17 years, making this one of the biggest studies of its kind.
The study looked at two common medicines used to treat high blood pressure: chlorthalidone and hydrochlorothiazide. Both of these drugs help lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and heart failure.
High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a serious health problem that affects millions of people. If not treated, it can cause heart disease, kidney failure, and early death.
That’s why doctors often prescribe medicine to help control it. One group of medications often used is called diuretics, or “water pills.” These drugs help the body get rid of extra salt and water, which lowers blood pressure.
Chlorthalidone and hydrochlorothiazide are both diuretics and have been used for many years. Until now, there hasn’t been a clear answer about which one is safer. This new study gives more insight.
The researchers found that while both drugs lower blood pressure well, chlorthalidone has more side effects than hydrochlorothiazide. One major concern is how chlorthalidone affects potassium levels in the body.
Potassium is a mineral that helps your heart and muscles work properly. If your potassium level gets too low, it can cause problems like irregular heartbeat, muscle weakness, confusion, and kidney issues.
According to the study, people taking chlorthalidone were nearly three times more likely to have very low potassium levels compared to those taking hydrochlorothiazide. Around 6.3% of patients on chlorthalidone developed low potassium, while only 1.9% of people on hydrochlorothiazide had the same problem.
The study also found that chlorthalidone could increase the risk of other problems like electrolyte imbalances and kidney issues—even when used in smaller doses.
These findings are important for doctors when choosing which medicine to give their patients. In the past, some health guidelines suggested that chlorthalidone might be slightly better at lowering blood pressure. But now, this research shows that the added risks might not be worth it.
This doesn’t mean people should stop taking their medicine on their own. Instead, anyone taking one of these drugs should talk to their doctor to see if a change is needed.
It’s also important to remember that medicine is just one part of controlling high blood pressure. Healthy habits are just as important. Eating less salt, being active, avoiding smoking, drinking less alcohol, and finding ways to manage stress can all help lower blood pressure.
Checking blood pressure at home and seeing a doctor regularly can also help keep things under control.
The study, led by Dr. George Hripcsak, was published in the journal JAMA Internal Medicine. It shows how important it is to choose the right medicine for each person, based on their health and risk factors. All medicines have benefits and possible side effects, so making informed choices is key to staying healthy.
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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