A new study from Europe has raised concern about a common medicine used by millions of people for high blood pressure.
Researchers found that when one of these drugs is taken in high doses, it may raise the risk of sudden cardiac arrest, a life‑threatening event where the heart suddenly stops beating. This condition is different from a heart attack. A heart attack happens when blood flow to part of the heart is blocked.
Sudden cardiac arrest, in contrast, is an electrical problem. The heart’s rhythm stops without warning, and the person collapses because blood can no longer reach the brain and body. Without quick treatment, death can happen within minutes.
High blood pressure is very common, especially among older adults. Over time, it can damage the heart, blood vessels, brain, and kidneys. Doctors often prescribe medicines to lower blood pressure to reduce the risk of stroke, heart attack, and kidney disease.
Two of the most widely used drugs are nifedipine and amlodipine. Both belong to a group of medicines that relax and widen blood vessels, making it easier for the heart to pump blood. These drugs have been used safely for many years and are usually considered reliable treatments.
In the new study, scientists examined health records from thousands of people, including those who had suffered sudden cardiac arrest and those who had not. They discovered a pattern that worried them.
People who took high doses of nifedipine seemed more likely to experience sudden cardiac arrest than those who did not take the drug or who took smaller amounts. Surprisingly, amlodipine, which works in a similar way, did not show the same risk in the data.
This finding surprised researchers because both medicines have similar effects and long safety records. One reason this link was not noticed earlier may be that sudden cardiac arrest happens so fast and often outside the hospital, making it difficult to study.
The European Sudden Cardiac Arrest network, which carried out the research, collects detailed information from emergency cases to better understand why these events occur.
Even with these results, scientists stress that patients should not panic. The study does not prove that nifedipine directly causes sudden cardiac arrest. It only shows a possible connection that needs more research.
Many people rely on this medicine to control blood pressure, and stopping it suddenly can be dangerous. Anyone who is worried should speak with their doctor before making changes.
Doctors may now be more careful when prescribing high doses of nifedipine, especially for patients who already have heart problems. They might choose lower doses or another medication if suitable.
Patients should also watch for warning signs of heart trouble, such as chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, or feeling faint, and seek medical help quickly if these occur.
This study is a reminder that even long‑used medicines should be checked again as science advances. Our understanding of the human body and drug effects continues to grow. Careful research helps doctors make safer choices and protects patients.
Overall, nifedipine remains an important treatment for many people with high blood pressure and chest pain.
However, using very high doses may carry risks that doctors and patients need to discuss together. With proper guidance and regular checkups, most people can continue their treatment safely while science works to learn more about these findings.
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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