Scientists at Columbia University have made an important discovery that could change the way doctors treat high blood pressure.
A new study shows that the commonly recommended drug chlorthalidone may cause more serious side effects than another drug often used for the same condition, hydrochlorothiazide.
Both medications are known for helping to lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes. For years, medical guidelines have favored chlorthalidone because it is believed to work longer in the body. But this new research shows that the risks of side effects from chlorthalidone may be greater than previously thought.
The study looked at health data from over 730,000 patients who were treated for high blood pressure over 17 years. The results showed that both chlorthalidone and hydrochlorothiazide were equally good at preventing heart problems like heart attacks, strokes, and heart failure hospitalizations.
However, there was a big difference in side effects. People who took chlorthalidone were almost three times more likely to develop a condition called hypokalemia, which means dangerously low levels of potassium in the blood.
This condition can lead to serious health issues, including irregular heartbeats, muscle weakness, and extreme tiredness. In the study, 6.3% of people taking chlorthalidone developed hypokalemia, compared to only 1.9% of people taking hydrochlorothiazide. Even those taking lower doses of chlorthalidone had more cases of low potassium.
The researchers also found that chlorthalidone was linked to other problems. These included low sodium levels (called hyponatremia), kidney issues, and a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes. These side effects can cause symptoms such as confusion, dizziness, and serious damage to the kidneys.
Doctors have long believed that chlorthalidone is better because it stays in the body longer. But this new research raises concerns about whether the benefits outweigh the risks. The researchers suggest that doctors should be extra careful when prescribing chlorthalidone and should watch their patients closely for signs of these side effects.
This isn’t the first time chlorthalidone has been questioned. Earlier studies also showed that it may cause more electrolyte problems than hydrochlorothiazide. The new findings add even more evidence to the argument that treatment guidelines may need to be updated.
The study was led by George Hripcsak and published in JAMA Internal Medicine. It serves as a reminder that when it comes to medications, doctors need to consider both how well a drug works and how safe it is.
If you want to learn more about blood pressure management, other studies have looked into how cannabis might help lower blood pressure in older adults and how certain plant-based nutrients could also be helpful. There’s even research exploring links between toothpaste ingredients and gut inflammation, which might affect blood pressure in surprising ways.
As always, patients should talk with their doctors before making any changes to their medications. Everyone’s health is different, and the best treatment is one that works safely for each individual.
If you care about blood pressure, please read studies about high blood pressure treatment: ARBs vs. ACE inhibitors and blood pressure response to exercise can predict future heart disease.
For more about blood pressure, please read studies about This daily food is very important for blood pressure and heart health and Common blood pressure medication may have harmful side effects.
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