In Australia, high blood pressure, also known as hypertension, affects over one-third of adults. If not treated properly, it can lead to serious health issues like strokes and heart disease.
A new study from UNSW Sydney has raised concerns about a widely used blood pressure medication called hydrochlorothiazide.
This medicine is commonly used in Australia to help manage high blood pressure. However, the new study suggests that hydrochlorothiazide might increase the risk of skin cancer, especially in older people.
The drug can make the skin more sensitive to sunlight, which could raise the chances of developing skin cancer. The findings support results from earlier studies done in other countries.
Managing high blood pressure usually involves a mix of medication and lifestyle changes like eating a healthy diet and staying active. Hydrochlorothiazide has been a common part of that treatment, but this new research shows the need to look more closely at its safety.
The study used anonymous health data from the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA). The data came from healthcare cardholders in New South Wales who were 65 or older and covered the years 2004 to 2015. It included records of cancer diagnoses, hospital stays, and medicine use.
The researchers looked at people who had used hydrochlorothiazide and were later diagnosed with either lip cancer (45 cases) or malignant melanoma (659 cases). These cases were compared to a control group of 13,300 people who did not have these cancers.
The study found that people who used hydrochlorothiazide had a higher risk of getting skin cancers like melanoma and squamous cell cancer of the lip. The risk of lip cancer was greater in those who had taken the medication for a longer time.
Even with these findings, the researchers say that people should not stop taking their medication without speaking to a doctor. It’s important for healthcare providers to know about this possible risk so they can take steps to protect their patients.
Doctors may want to do more regular skin checks for patients using hydrochlorothiazide or give advice on staying safe in the sun. This could include using sunscreen, wearing hats and protective clothing, and avoiding the sun during the hottest parts of the day.
Because of these results, the information provided with medicines containing hydrochlorothiazide has been updated. This helps ensure that doctors are aware of the risks and can make informed decisions when prescribing this medication.
The study was led by Dr. Benjamin Daniels and published in the journal Basic & Clinical Pharmacology & Toxicology. It highlights the importance of finding the right balance between effective treatment for high blood pressure and the risk of possible side effects, like skin cancer.
For those who care about skin and heart health, other research suggests that taking omega-3 supplements might help lower blood pressure. There are also studies exploring how diabetes affects the skin and new ways to fight skin aging.
If you care about blood pressure, please read studies about unhealthy habits that could increase high blood pressure risk, and people with severe high blood pressure should reduce coffee intake.
For more information about blood pressure, please see recent studies that early time-restricted eating could help improve blood pressure, and results showing plant-based foods could benefit people with high blood pressure.
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