A recent study from Geisinger Medical Center suggests that people starting treatment for high blood pressure may benefit equally from two types of medications: ACE inhibitors and ARBs.
However, ARBs might have the advantage of causing fewer side effects, making them a potentially better option for some patients.
High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a common condition that increases the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and other serious health issues.
Doctors often prescribe medications to control blood pressure, and two widely used options are angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs).
While ACE inhibitors are more commonly prescribed, this study highlights that ARBs work just as well and may be gentler on the body.
The researchers analyzed health data from nearly 3 million patients across the United States, Germany, and South Korea. These patients were just beginning treatment for high blood pressure and had no history of heart disease or stroke.
Both types of medications target the same hormonal system in the body, known as the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, which plays a key role in regulating blood pressure.
Here’s how the medications work:
- ACE inhibitors: These block an enzyme early in the system, reducing the production of angiotensin, a chemical that causes blood vessels to narrow. By lowering angiotensin levels, blood vessels stay more relaxed and open, reducing blood pressure.
- ARBs: These block receptors in the blood vessels where angiotensin attaches, preventing the chemical from tightening the vessels. This also helps keep blood vessels relaxed and lowers blood pressure.
The study found that both medications were equally effective at controlling blood pressure.
However, ARBs were less likely to cause side effects, such as coughing or swelling, which are more commonly associated with ACE inhibitors. This difference could make ARBs a more comfortable option for many patients.
The findings align with professional guidelines, such as those from the American Heart Association (AHA) and the American College of Cardiology (ACC), which recommend several first-line medications for high blood pressure, including thiazide diuretics, ACE inhibitors, ARBs, and calcium channel blockers.
Lifestyle changes like regular physical activity, a healthy diet, and stress management are also encouraged to complement medication for managing blood pressure.
While this study offers valuable guidance for people starting high blood pressure treatment, the researchers caution that their conclusions may not apply to everyone. For instance, people already taking ACE inhibitors or those on multiple medications for blood pressure may respond differently.
For anyone considering a change in their treatment, it’s important to consult with a healthcare provider. Personalized care is essential to finding the most effective and tolerable treatment.
This study, led by RuiJun Chen and published in Hypertension, provides clearer options for patients and doctors navigating the many available treatments for high blood pressure.
With a better understanding of the effectiveness and side effects of these medications, more patients can achieve better control over their blood pressure and reduce the risk of long-term complications.
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.
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