High blood pressure, also called hypertension, is a major health problem around the world.
It affects millions of people and is a leading cause of serious issues like heart disease and stroke.
Many people take medication to control their blood pressure, but new research shows that some of these drugs may have unexpected side effects.
The study, led by Dr. Maria Luisa Sequeira Lopez and her team at the University of Virginia, found that certain blood pressure medicines might harm the kidneys if taken for a long time. These include ACE inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers, which are commonly used to treat high blood pressure.
The problem lies with special kidney cells called renin cells. These cells help control blood pressure by releasing a hormone when blood pressure is low.
The study found that long-term use of the medications mentioned above can cause these cells to change in harmful ways. They can start to move into the walls of kidney blood vessels, causing the vessels to thicken and stiffen. This could eventually damage the kidneys.
Even though this sounds concerning, researchers are not saying people should stop taking their blood pressure medicine. These drugs are often lifesaving and play an important role in keeping blood pressure in check. But the findings show that doctors need to take a closer look at how these medications affect the body over time.
To better protect patients, more research is needed to understand exactly how these drugs affect kidney health in the long run. This could lead to better, safer treatments in the future.
Because high blood pressure often has no symptoms—it’s known as the ‘silent killer’—it’s important to check your blood pressure regularly. Using a home monitor can help people stay on top of their numbers and catch problems early.
Besides medication, lifestyle changes are also important. Eating healthy, exercising regularly, and managing stress can make a big difference. These habits, combined with regular check-ups and smart medication use, are key to managing high blood pressure effectively.
This study shows that treating high blood pressure isn’t just about lowering the numbers right away. It’s also about thinking long term. Doctors and patients should work together to create personalized treatment plans that look at the whole picture—including how medications might affect the kidneys over time.
The study was published in the journal JCI Insight and highlights the need for more careful, individualized care in treating high blood pressure.
If you care about blood pressure, please read studies about Intensive blood pressure treatment for older adults may harm heart and kidneys and What you should know about high blood pressure medications.
For more about blood pressure, please read studies about High blood pressure and marijuana: a risky combination and Common blood pressure drug may not prevent heart attack effectively.
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