A new study led by Muhammad Mamdani from St. Michael’s Hospital and published in JAMA Network Open has raised concerns about a possible connection between a certain class of blood pressure drugs—called Angiotensin Receptor Blockers (ARBs)—and an increased risk of suicide.
The research compared ARBs to another common type of blood pressure medication called ACE inhibitors. Both types of drugs are used to treat conditions such as high blood pressure, heart failure, chronic kidney disease, and diabetes.
They work by targeting the hormone angiotensin II, which causes blood vessels to tighten. ARBs block this hormone from attaching to receptors, while ACE inhibitors reduce its production.
The study’s key finding was alarming: people taking ARBs had a 63% higher chance of dying by suicide compared to those on ACE inhibitors. To arrive at this conclusion, the researchers looked at health records in Canada.
They identified 964 people who died by suicide within 100 days of receiving a prescription for either an ARB or an ACE inhibitor. These cases were compared with more than 3,000 similar patients who did not die by suicide but were taking the same medications.
The researchers believe the difference may lie in how the drugs affect angiotensin II in the brain. With ARBs, angiotensin II may build up more in the brain, which could influence mood and possibly lead to an increased risk of suicidal behavior. However, the exact mechanism is still unclear.
The study also noted that some of the people involved were taking medications like antidepressants or benzodiazepines, which are known to affect mood. This means other factors could have contributed to the increased suicide risk, and more research is needed to fully understand the relationship.
While the results are concerning, the study does not recommend that patients stop taking ARBs right away. Instead, it encourages patients to speak with their healthcare providers, especially if they have a history of depression or other mental health conditions.
In some cases, switching to an ACE inhibitor might be a safer option, but that decision should always be made together with a doctor.
This study is an important reminder of how medications can have unexpected effects beyond their intended use. It highlights the need for more research into the mental health impacts of common medications, especially for vulnerable populations.
Anyone taking blood pressure medication should stay informed and regularly check in with their healthcare provider. Monitoring both physical and mental health is key to managing chronic conditions safely.
If you care about blood pressure, please read studies about why checking blood pressure while lying down is very important and lowering top blood pressure number to less than 120 mm Hg effectively prevents heart disease.
For more about blood pressure, please read studies that turmeric and vitamin D may boost blood pressure control in type 2 diabetes and scientists find link between blood pressure drugs and bowel diseases.
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