A recent study from Europe has found a surprising link between a common blood pressure medicine and a higher risk of sudden cardiac arrest.
The drug is called nifedipine, and it’s been used safely by millions of people for many years.
But this new research suggests that taking high doses of it might raise the risk of a life-threatening heart event.
Sudden cardiac arrest happens when the heart suddenly stops beating. It is a serious emergency. Without fast treatment, it often leads to death. In Europe, it causes about half of all heart-related deaths and one in five natural deaths.
Some people may feel warning signs like chest pain or trouble breathing, but for many, it comes without warning. Once it happens, the person passes out and stops breathing. CPR or a defibrillator is needed right away to save their life.
The study looked at two common blood pressure medications: nifedipine and amlodipine. Both drugs help relax blood vessels so blood can flow more easily. They are used all over the world and are usually considered safe.
Researchers studied 2,503 people in Amsterdam who had sudden cardiac arrest. They compared them to over 10,000 people who had not.
They found that those who were taking high doses of nifedipine—60 milligrams a day—were more likely to suffer cardiac arrest. In contrast, people taking amlodipine did not have the same risk.
To make sure their findings were correct, the researchers looked at data from another large group in Denmark. This second study included over 8,000 patients and more than 40,000 healthy people. Again, the results showed a higher risk of sudden cardiac arrest with high doses of nifedipine.
This was unexpected. Nifedipine has been around for decades, and doctors have trusted it to help control high blood pressure and chest pain.
One reason this possible risk may not have been found earlier is that sudden cardiac arrest is hard to study. It happens so fast and often leads to death, so getting good data is a big challenge.
Still, the researchers say we need to be cautious. They are not saying that everyone should stop taking nifedipine. In fact, stopping blood pressure medication without a doctor’s advice can be very dangerous.
But they do recommend that patients talk to their doctors. In some cases, it may be safer to lower the dose or switch to another drug, like amlodipine.
This study shows why it’s important to keep researching medications, even ones that have been used for a long time. As we learn more, we can find better ways to treat people safely.
In short, high doses of nifedipine might raise the risk of sudden cardiac arrest. More studies are needed to confirm this, but for now, patients should use this medicine with care and always talk to their doctor about any concerns. Managing high blood pressure is important—but so is making sure the treatment doesn’t bring new risks.
Copyright © 2025 Knowridge Science Report. All rights reserved.
