High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a common condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It occurs when blood pushes too forcefully against artery walls, which can damage blood vessels and increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and kidney problems.
Many factors can contribute to high blood pressure, including genetics, age, obesity, a lack of physical activity, smoking, and a diet high in salt and unhealthy fats.
Because high blood pressure often has no obvious symptoms, it is known as the “silent killer.” Regular blood pressure checks are important to catch and manage the condition early before it leads to serious health problems.
For many people, lifestyle changes are the first step in controlling high blood pressure. This includes exercising regularly, eating a balanced diet with less salt, quitting smoking, and limiting alcohol intake.
However, in some cases, medication is necessary to keep blood pressure under control. There are several types of medications, including diuretics, ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, and angiotensin receptor blockers. Doctors prescribe these based on a person’s health needs.
A recent study from the University of Virginia has raised concerns about the long-term effects of some blood pressure medications, particularly those that target the renin-angiotensin system, such as ACE inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers.
These drugs are widely used to treat high blood pressure, heart failure, and heart attacks, and they have saved many lives. However, researchers found that long-term use of these medications may contribute to kidney damage.
The study focused on why people with severe high blood pressure often develop thickened arteries and small blood vessels in the kidneys, which can lead to organ damage. The researchers discovered that specialized kidney cells, called renin cells, play a key role in this process.
Normally, these cells produce renin, a hormone that helps regulate blood pressure. However, under certain conditions, these cells start invading the walls of the kidney’s blood vessels. This causes the vessels to thicken and stiffen, making it harder for blood to flow properly through the kidney.
The study also found that long-term use of ACE inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers can lead to similar hardening of kidney blood vessels in both lab mice and humans.
Although these medications are essential for managing high blood pressure and preventing heart problems, this potential side effect suggests that more research is needed to fully understand their long-term impact on kidney health.
Despite these findings, the researchers strongly advise patients to continue taking their prescribed medications, as stopping them suddenly could be dangerous. They stress that further studies are needed to explore these effects and find ways to minimize risks.
For people with high blood pressure, regular monitoring is essential. Using a home blood pressure monitor, as recommended by a doctor, can help track progress and ensure that treatments are working. Managing stress is also important, as stress can raise blood pressure. Simple relaxation techniques like meditation, deep breathing, and yoga can help.
With proper care, including lifestyle adjustments, regular monitoring, and the right medications, many people with high blood pressure can lead long and healthy lives.
The study was led by Dr. Maria Luisa Sequeira Lopez and published in JCI Insight.
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