High blood pressure is a common health issue that affects one out of every ten adults worldwide. It’s a serious condition that can lead to heart attacks and strokes if not managed properly.
Usually, people manage high blood pressure by making changes to their lifestyle and taking certain medications.
Recently, researchers from Imperial College London conducted a study that has shed light on the effects of a specific type of blood pressure medication known as calcium channel blockers.
They discovered that this medication might be linked to an increased risk of a bowel condition called diverticulosis.
This condition causes small bulges or pouches to form in the lining of the intestine and is more common in older individuals. Sometimes, it can lead to serious medical emergencies.
The study focused on three popular types of blood pressure medications: ACE-inhibitors, beta-blockers, and calcium channel blockers.
These medications are widely used by millions of people, yet there’s still much to learn about their potential side effects.
To understand the effects of these medications, the researchers turned to genetics. They looked for genetic variations that mimic the action of these drugs on the body.
By identifying the proteins targeted by the drugs that help lower blood pressure, they were able to see how these drugs might also affect the risk of other diseases.
The team analyzed genetic information from about 750,000 individuals to find genetic variations related to the proteins affected by the blood pressure drugs.
They then checked if these variations were connected to a higher or lower risk of nearly 900 different diseases, using data from a large study called the UK Biobank.
Their findings revealed that a certain kind of calcium channel blocker, specifically the non-dihydropyridine class, was associated with an increased risk of developing bowel problems like diverticulosis.
The researchers suggest that this might be due to the drug’s effect on the muscles in the intestine, which are responsible for moving food through the gut.
Despite these findings, the researchers caution against any immediate changes to how blood pressure medications are prescribed.
They emphasize that people should not stop taking their medication without first consulting with their doctor.
The study aims to provide more information about the potential side effects of blood pressure medications, helping patients and healthcare providers make informed decisions about treatment options.
It’s also a reminder of the importance of considering the overall effects of medications on the body, not just their intended benefits.
For those interested in maintaining gut health, the study highlights the need for ongoing research into how different medications can impact the body in unexpected ways.
It also points to the broader conversation about the relationship between diet, medication, and overall health.
The research, led by Dr. Dipender Gill and his team, was published in the journal Circulation.
It represents a step forward in understanding how common medications can have complex effects on our health, underscoring the importance of personalized medicine and the need for careful consideration in prescribing medications.
If you care about blood pressure, please read studies about unhealthy habits that could increase high blood pressure risk, and people with severe high blood pressure should reduce coffee intake.
For more information about blood pressure, please see recent studies that early time-restricted eating could help improve blood pressure, and results showing plant-based foods could benefit people with high blood pressure.
Copyright © 2024 Knowridge Science Report. All rights reserved.
