High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a major health issue around the world. It affects millions of people and is one of the leading causes of heart disease and stroke.
Many people take medication every day to control their blood pressure. These medicines save lives, but new research suggests that some of them might have long-term side effects we didn’t fully understand before.
A study from the University of Virginia, led by Dr. Maria Luisa Sequeira Lopez, has found that some common blood pressure drugs may hurt the kidneys if taken for a long time. These include ACE inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers, which are widely used by people with high blood pressure.
The issue has to do with special cells in the kidneys called renin cells. These cells help control blood pressure by releasing a hormone when blood pressure drops too low. But the researchers found that long-term use of these medications can change how these cells behave.
Instead of staying in place, the renin cells start moving into the walls of kidney blood vessels. This causes the vessels to become thicker and stiffer, which can damage the kidneys over time.
This discovery is important, but it doesn’t mean people should stop taking their blood pressure medicine. These drugs are still very important for controlling high blood pressure and preventing serious health problems. What the research does show is that doctors should keep a closer eye on how these drugs affect the body over the long term.
More studies are needed to fully understand the risks and to find ways to protect kidney health while still controlling blood pressure. In the future, this research could help develop safer medications or new treatment strategies.
Because high blood pressure often shows no warning signs, it’s sometimes called the “silent killer.” That’s why it’s so important to check your blood pressure regularly. Using a home monitor can help people stay aware of their numbers and catch problems early.
In addition to taking medication, making healthy lifestyle changes is a key part of managing high blood pressure. Eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and finding ways to manage stress all help lower blood pressure. Avoiding smoking, limiting alcohol, and getting enough sleep are also important steps.
This new study is a reminder that treating high blood pressure isn’t just about getting the numbers down quickly. It’s also about long-term health. Doctors and patients should work together to create treatment plans that keep the whole body in mind—including the kidneys.
The research was published in the medical journal JCI Insight. It highlights the need for more careful and personalized care in managing high blood pressure, with a focus on protecting overall health for years to come.
If you care about blood pressure, please read studies that new research challenges conventional blood pressure guidelines and scientists make a big breakthrough in high blood pressure treatment.
For more about blood pressure, please read studies that widely used blood pressure drug may increase eye disease risk and common blood pressure drugs linked to cognitive decline.
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