A new study from Europe has found something surprising about a medicine that many people take for high blood pressure. The drug is called nifedipine.
It has been used for many years to help lower blood pressure and ease chest pain. But the study shows that people who take a high dose of this drug may have a greater risk of sudden cardiac arrest.
Sudden cardiac arrest is a serious and dangerous condition. It happens when the heart suddenly stops beating. When that happens, blood can no longer reach the brain and other parts of the body. The person quickly loses consciousness and stops breathing. If no one gives CPR or uses a defibrillator right away, the person may die within minutes.
This condition is very deadly. It causes about half of all heart-related deaths in Europe. It also accounts for one in every five natural deaths. The scary part is that it often happens without warning. Some people may feel chest pain or shortness of breath before it happens, but many do not.
In this new study, scientists wanted to know if two common drugs—nifedipine and amlodipine—could affect the risk of sudden cardiac arrest. Both of these drugs help relax the blood vessels, making it easier for the heart to pump blood. They are part of a group of medicines called calcium channel blockers.
The researchers looked at health data from over 2,500 people in Amsterdam who had suffered sudden cardiac arrest. They compared them to over 10,000 people who had not.
They found that people who took a high dose of nifedipine—60 milligrams each day—were more likely to suffer a sudden heart stoppage. But people who took amlodipine did not show the same risk.
To make sure the results were correct, the team checked another large group of people in Denmark. This second group included over 8,000 people who had sudden cardiac arrest and over 40,000 who did not. The results were the same. High doses of nifedipine were linked to a higher risk of the heart suddenly stopping.
This finding was unexpected. Doctors have prescribed nifedipine and amlodipine for many years without major problems.
One reason why the danger was not found earlier may be because sudden cardiac arrest is very hard to study. It happens so fast that there is often not enough time to collect detailed information. As a result, earlier research might have missed the connection.
Even though the study raises concerns, experts say people should not stop taking nifedipine without speaking to their doctor. High blood pressure is also dangerous and needs to be treated. What this study suggests is that doctors and patients should talk about the dose and consider other drug options if needed.
This research shows why it’s important to keep studying all medications, even the ones we’ve trusted for a long time. Sometimes new data can change what we know and help us find safer ways to treat people.
For now, people should be careful with high doses of nifedipine. If you or someone you know is taking it, especially at a high dose, it may be worth asking your doctor about it. The goal is to treat high blood pressure safely while avoiding any hidden dangers.
If you care about health, please read studies about the benefits of low-dose lithium supplements, and what we know about egg intake and heart disease.
For more health information, please see recent studies about potatoes and high blood pressure, and results showing 6 best breads for people with heart disease.
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