A 17-year study from Columbia University has found important differences between two common blood pressure medications: chlorthalidone and hydrochlorothiazide.
Both drugs help lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and heart failure. But the study shows that chlorthalidone may come with more serious side effects.
The research followed more than 730,000 people who were using these medications to treat high blood pressure. Over time, the scientists found that chlorthalidone greatly increased the risk of low potassium levels, a condition called hypokalemia.
Potassium is an essential mineral that helps the heart and muscles work properly. When potassium levels drop too low, it can cause serious problems such as:
– Irregular heartbeats
– Confusion or dizziness
– Kidney problems
– Higher risk of type 2 diabetes
According to the study, 6.3% of people taking chlorthalidone developed hypokalemia. In comparison, only 1.9% of those taking hydrochlorothiazide experienced this problem. That means chlorthalidone users were more than three times as likely to develop dangerously low potassium levels.
The study also found that chlorthalidone was linked to other issues, including problems with electrolytes and kidney function. In severe cases, these issues could lead to kidney failure or abnormal heart rhythms.
So, what does this mean for people with high blood pressure? Many doctors still recommend chlorthalidone as a first-choice treatment based on older advice. But this new study suggests that hydrochlorothiazide may be the safer option for many people—especially for those who have kidney problems or are at risk of low potassium.
If you are already taking chlorthalidone, your doctor may want to keep a close watch on your potassium and electrolyte levels. In some cases, switching to hydrochlorothiazide may be a better and safer choice.
It’s important to remember that high blood pressure is a serious health condition. If not treated, it can lead to heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure. Medications are key to controlling blood pressure, but they must be chosen carefully to avoid harmful side effects.
Besides medicine, there are also lifestyle changes that can help manage blood pressure:
– Eat a healthy diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Try to cut back on salt and processed foods.
– Exercise regularly by walking, jogging, or biking.
– Limit alcohol and avoid smoking, as both can raise blood pressure.
– Manage stress through meditation, deep breathing, or yoga.
– Monitor your blood pressure at home to stay on track and help your doctor adjust treatment as needed.
This study, led by Dr. George Hripcsak and published in *JAMA Internal Medicine*, may lead to new guidelines for how doctors choose blood pressure medications. As more research becomes available, patients and doctors will have better tools to pick the safest and most effective treatments.
The most important message from this research is that treating high blood pressure is about more than just lowering your numbers. It’s about finding a treatment that keeps your heart healthy while avoiding unnecessary risks.
If you care about blood pressure, please read studies about the arm squeeze test: could your blood pressure reading be wrong and bedtime medication more effective for high blood pressure.
For more information about blood pressure, please read studies about Scientists find link between high blood pressure drugs and this skin disease and common high blood pressure medication may not be the best choice.
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