A new study from Geisinger Medical Center shows that two types of drugs used to treat high blood pressure—ACE inhibitors and ARBs—are both effective.
However, ARBs may have fewer side effects, which could make them a better choice for some people.
High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a common health problem. If it’s not controlled, it can lead to serious issues like heart attacks and strokes. Doctors often prescribe medications to manage it.
Two common medicines for high blood pressure are: ACE inhibitors (Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme inhibitors) and ARBs (Angiotensin Receptor Blockers).
Both drugs target the same system in the body—the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system—which helps control blood pressure.
How Do They Work?
ACE inhibitors stop an enzyme from making a chemical called angiotensin. This chemical narrows blood vessels. By lowering angiotensin, blood vessels relax, and blood pressure goes down.
ARBs stop angiotensin from attaching to blood vessels. This also keeps vessels relaxed and lowers blood pressure.
What Did the Study Find?
Researchers looked at health records from nearly 3 million people in the U.S., Germany, and South Korea. None of the people had heart disease or stroke before the study.
The study found both ACE inhibitors and ARBs worked equally well to lower blood pressure. ARBs caused fewer side effects like coughing or swelling.
What Does This Mean?
While ACE inhibitors are often the first choice, this study shows that ARBs may be just as good and may be easier for people to take.
Doctors still recommend other ways to manage blood pressure too, like: eating healthy foods, exercising regularly, and managing stress.
If you’re starting blood pressure medicine, ask your doctor about which type is best for you. Everyone is different, and your doctor can help you choose what’s right for your health.
This research, led by RuiJun Chen and published in the journal Hypertension, helps give people more options for treating high blood pressure.
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