A large new study from Columbia University has given people with high blood pressure something important to think about.
It looked at over 730,000 people for 17 years to compare two common blood pressure drugs: chlorthalidone and hydrochlorothiazide. These two medicines are often used to stop serious health problems like heart attacks, strokes, and heart failure.
Both have been around for many years and work in similar ways by helping the body get rid of extra salt and water, which lowers blood pressure.
But even though they do similar things, researchers found one of them may cause more harm than the other. The study showed that people who took chlorthalidone were nearly three times more likely to develop very low potassium levels in their blood.
This condition is called hypokalemia. Potassium is a mineral that is very important for your body. It helps your muscles move, your nerves send signals, and your heart beat regularly.
If potassium gets too low, it can cause serious problems. People may feel weak, confused, or have an irregular heartbeat. In some cases, it can even lead to kidney failure.
In the study, about 6 out of every 100 people taking chlorthalidone had low potassium, while only 2 out of every 100 people taking hydrochlorothiazide had the same problem. Even small doses of chlorthalidone caused this issue, and there were more problems with kidney function and other important minerals in the blood as well.
These side effects are not just minor problems. For older adults or people who already have health issues, they can be very dangerous. Because of this, the researchers are warning doctors to be extra careful if they choose to give someone chlorthalidone. If this drug is used, the person should have their potassium levels and kidney health checked regularly.
High blood pressure is a common health problem that affects people all over the world. If not treated, it can lead to serious illness or even death. The good news is that it can often be controlled. Many people use a mix of medicine, healthy eating, regular exercise, and doctor visits to keep their blood pressure at a safe level.
Choosing the right drug is an important part of the treatment. While both chlorthalidone and hydrochlorothiazide work well to lower blood pressure, this study shows that the side effects are not the same. This means doctors and patients need to talk about the good and bad sides of each drug before picking one.
Medicine is only part of the answer. People with high blood pressure also need to make changes to their lifestyle. Eating more fruits and vegetables, getting regular physical activity, cutting down on salt and alcohol, quitting smoking, and finding ways to relax can all help.
Checking your blood pressure at home is also useful. It helps you and your doctor see how well your treatment is working.
The study was led by George Hripcsak and published in a respected medical journal called JAMA Internal Medicine. It reminds us that even medicines that seem very similar can have different effects on our bodies. More studies will help doctors figure out the safest treatments for different people.
Until then, it’s important for people to stay informed and talk with their healthcare team. Ask questions and learn about your options so you can make the best choices for your health.
If you care about high blood pressure, please read studies about unhealthy habits that may increase high blood pressure risk, and drinking green tea could help lower blood pressure.
For more information about high blood pressure, please see recent studies about what to eat or to avoid for high blood pressure, and 12 foods that lower blood pressure.
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