High blood pressure is a common health issue worldwide, affecting about one in ten adults. It significantly raises the risk of serious conditions like heart attacks and strokes, making its treatment a critical public health focus.
Managing high blood pressure often involves lifestyle changes and medications, with millions of people relying on drugs to lower their blood pressure.
However, medications can have side effects, and understanding these risks is important. A recent study by researchers at Imperial College London highlights a possible link between a class of blood pressure drugs, called calcium-channel blockers, and a gut condition known as diverticulosis.
Diverticulosis occurs when small pouches or bulges form in the lining of the intestine. It is especially common among older adults, with as many as 65% of people over 85 affected.
While it may not cause symptoms in many cases, the condition can sometimes lead to complications, such as infections or even a rupture of these pouches, requiring emergency treatment.
The study investigated three widely-used blood pressure medications: ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, and calcium-channel blockers. Testing the long-term effects and potential side effects of these drugs through traditional clinical trials can be expensive and time-consuming.
To address this challenge, the researchers turned to genetic analysis, a method that uses naturally occurring variations in genes to mimic the effects of these medications. This approach allowed them to explore the drugs’ impact without the need for large-scale trials.
The researchers began by identifying the proteins that these medications target to lower blood pressure. Then, they analyzed genetic data from around 750,000 people to find variations in genes responsible for producing these proteins.
By studying these genetic variants, they were able to assess whether they were linked to a reduced risk of diseases like heart attacks or strokes, as well as any increased risk of other health problems.
The findings confirmed that the genetic variants associated with lower blood pressure were linked to reduced risks of heart disease and stroke. However, the analysis also revealed a concerning association.
A specific type of calcium-channel blocker, known as the non-dihydropyridine class, was linked to a higher risk of diverticulosis.
The researchers believe this could be related to how the drug affects the intestinal muscles, which play a key role in moving food through the digestive system.
This is the first study to suggest a connection between this class of blood pressure medication and diverticulosis. The researchers cross-checked their findings using additional genetic data, strengthening the evidence for this link.
While the study raises important questions, it doesn’t suggest that patients should stop taking their medications. Blood pressure control remains crucial for preventing life-threatening conditions.
Instead, the findings highlight the need for more research to better understand how these drugs interact with other systems in the body and to develop safer treatments.
If you have high blood pressure, it’s important to stay informed about your condition and treatment options. Studies show that even dietary factors, such as consuming too much black licorice, can lead to dangerously high blood pressure.
On the other hand, natural remedies like cinnamon may help lower blood pressure. Understanding these factors, along with the potential risks and benefits of medications, can help you make informed choices about your health.
This study, led by Dr. Dipender Gill, was published in Circulation and contributes to our growing understanding of how common treatments can affect different parts of the body.
If you care about gut health, please read studies about how junk food harms your gut health, and how probiotics can protect gut health.
For more information about health, please see recent studies about how fiber affects weight loss and your overall health, and results showing why a glass of red wine is good for your gut.
Copyright © 2024 Knowridge Science Report. All rights reserved.
