Researchers from Columbia University have been taking a closer look at chlorthalidone, a medication that many doctors prescribe to treat high blood pressure.
Their new study suggests that this drug may come with some unexpected health problems for certain people.
High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, happens when the blood pushes too hard against the walls of the blood vessels—similar to cars speeding on a busy highway. If not controlled, it can lead to serious health problems like heart attacks, strokes, and kidney damage.
Doctors usually recommend lifestyle changes and medications to help manage it, and chlorthalidone is one of the commonly used medicines.
In this study, scientists examined the health records of over 730,000 people who had been taking blood pressure medications over a 17-year period. They compared two drugs: chlorthalidone and hydrochlorothiazide. Both are used to lower blood pressure and are known to prevent heart attacks and strokes.
The results showed that while both drugs were effective, chlorthalidone was linked to a much higher risk of a condition called hypokalemia. This happens when the level of potassium in the blood drops too low.
Potassium is a mineral that helps our muscles and nerves work properly. Low potassium can make a person feel very weak or tired and can cause problems with the heart.
According to the study, 6.3% of people taking chlorthalidone developed low potassium, compared to only 1.9% of people taking hydrochlorothiazide. That means chlorthalidone users were more than three times as likely to develop this issue.
The study also found that those taking chlorthalidone had a higher chance of experiencing other problems like imbalanced electrolytes and kidney issues. These are serious concerns that suggest this drug may not be the best choice for everyone.
This doesn’t mean that everyone who takes chlorthalidone will have these problems. But it does mean that doctors and patients need to be aware of the risks. Regular check-ups, blood tests, and open conversations with healthcare providers are very important for anyone taking this medication.
Many doctors prefer chlorthalidone because it has been trusted for a long time. But with this new information, some may start to rethink whether it’s the safest option for all patients.
To manage high blood pressure safely, people should also focus on healthy lifestyle habits. Eating more fruits and vegetables, cutting down on salt, exercising regularly, drinking less alcohol, and quitting smoking can all help. Finding ways to relax, like walking, listening to music, meditating, or practicing yoga, can also reduce stress and support heart health.
This study is part of an ongoing effort to make sure blood pressure treatments are not only effective but also safe. Researchers will keep studying these drugs to better understand their effects.
In the meantime, people taking chlorthalidone should continue to monitor their health and work closely with their doctors to keep their “blood highways” running smoothly.
If you care 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.
For more about blood pressure, please read studies about common blood pressure medication that may extend your healthy life span and common high blood pressure drug linked to sudden cardiac arrest.
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