A new study from the University of Oxford has found that some older people might not need to take as many medications to control their high blood pressure.
This is helpful news for seniors who often have to take many different pills each day. Reducing medications, if safe, can make life easier and may lower the risk of side effects.
The study looked at people aged 80 and older who were already taking medicine for high blood pressure. Most of them were using two types of medication to keep their blood pressure at a safe level. The researchers wanted to find out if removing one of these medications would cause any problems or make blood pressure go up.
In total, 569 older adults took part in the study. The researchers split them into two groups. One group had one of their blood pressure drugs stopped, while the other group continued taking both medications as usual. After 12 weeks, the team checked everyone’s blood pressure and monitored for any serious health problems.
The results were surprising in a good way. In the group that had their medication reduced, 86.4% of people still had healthy blood pressure levels. That means their top number (called systolic blood pressure) stayed below 150 mm Hg.
In the group that didn’t change their treatment, 87.7% also stayed below that level. The average difference between the two groups was only 3.4 mm Hg, which is a very small change.
Some people in the reduced medication group did have serious health problems—12 people in total—while only seven people in the usual care group did. But these numbers were low overall. Most people who stopped one of their medications were able to continue with this simpler plan during the entire 12-week period.
The study shows that for some older adults, it may be safe to take fewer medications for blood pressure without losing control of it. This could lower the risk of side effects and make daily routines easier for people who are already dealing with multiple health issues.
However, the researchers warn that no one should stop taking their medications without talking to their doctor. Each person’s health is different, and changes should always be made with a healthcare professional’s help. Blood pressure needs to be checked regularly if any medications are stopped.
The research was led by Dr. James P. Sheppard and published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA). It supports the idea that health care for older adults should be tailored to each individual. With the right care, some seniors might enjoy fewer pills, fewer side effects, and the same level of blood pressure control.
If you care about high blood pressure, please read studies that early time-restricted eating could help improve blood pressure, and natural coconut sugar could help reduce blood pressure and artery stiffness.
For more information about blood pressure, please see recent studies about How to eat your way to healthy blood pressure and results showing that Modified traditional Chinese cuisine can lower blood pressure.
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