A huge study that lasted 17 years and involved more than 730,000 people has brought new insights into the safety of two widely used blood pressure drugs.
This research was led by scientists at Columbia University and focused on two common medications: chlorthalidone and hydrochlorothiazide. Both are often prescribed to help prevent heart attacks, strokes, and hospitalizations from heart failure.
While both drugs can successfully lower blood pressure, the study found important differences in their side effects. Chlorthalidone, though effective, may carry more health risks than hydrochlorothiazide.
One of the most concerning findings is that people taking chlorthalidone had almost three times the risk of developing very low potassium levels—a condition called hypokalemia.
Hypokalemia can be dangerous. When your potassium levels drop too low, it can lead to irregular heartbeats, confusion, muscle weakness, kidney damage, and even raise the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. In this study, 6.3% of people on chlorthalidone developed hypokalemia, compared to just 1.9% of those taking hydrochlorothiazide.
The researchers also found that chlorthalidone was linked to more problems with electrolytes and kidney function. What’s more, these side effects occurred even when patients were given lower doses of the drug.
Because of these findings, health experts are now questioning whether chlorthalidone should remain a top choice for treating high blood pressure. The study suggests doctors may need to watch patients more closely if they’re prescribed this medication, or consider using hydrochlorothiazide instead when possible.
High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a serious health issue that affects people all over the world. If it’s not treated properly, it can lead to stroke, heart failure, kidney disease, and even death. That’s why finding the safest and most effective treatments is so important.
Managing blood pressure well usually means using medication along with making healthy lifestyle changes. These can include eating a balanced diet, getting regular exercise, drinking less alcohol, quitting smoking, and reducing stress. It’s also helpful for people to check their blood pressure at home to keep track of their progress.
This new research shows why it’s important to tailor blood pressure treatment to each person. What works well for one patient might not be best for another, especially if there are risks of serious side effects.
The study, published in JAMA Internal Medicine by George Hripcsak and his team, is an important reminder that treating high blood pressure isn’t always simple. Doctors must balance the good effects of a drug with its potential risks.
These findings can help both doctors and patients make better choices about how to manage high blood pressure safely and effectively.
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 health information, please see recent studies about added sugar in your diet linked to higher blood pressure, and results showing vitamin D could improve blood pressure in people with diabetes.
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