A new study from Columbia University has brought important news for people who take medicine to control high blood pressure.
The study followed more than 730,000 people over 17 years and looked at two common drugs: chlorthalidone and hydrochlorothiazide.
Both drugs are used to lower blood pressure and help prevent serious health problems like heart attacks, strokes, and heart failure.
These two medications work in a similar way and have been trusted by doctors for decades. But the researchers found one key difference. Chlorthalidone may cause more harmful side effects than hydrochlorothiazide.
In this study, people who took chlorthalidone were nearly three times more likely to develop a condition called hypokalemia. This means their potassium levels in the blood dropped too low.
Potassium is a mineral that helps your muscles, nerves, and heart work the way they should. When potassium levels are too low, it can cause weakness, confusion, irregular heartbeats, and even kidney failure.
About 6 out of every 100 people who used chlorthalidone had this problem, compared to only 2 out of every 100 people who took hydrochlorothiazide. Even people who took lower doses of chlorthalidone still had a high risk. The study also found more problems with electrolyte imbalances and kidney issues in those taking chlorthalidone.
These side effects can be dangerous, especially for older adults or people who already have other health conditions. That’s why the researchers are advising doctors to be extra careful when giving patients chlorthalidone. They recommend regular blood tests to check potassium and kidney function.
High blood pressure is a common problem around the world. If it’s not treated, it can lead to serious conditions like stroke or heart disease. The good news is that it can often be controlled with a mix of medication and healthy habits.
Choosing the right medicine is an important part of treatment. While both chlorthalidone and hydrochlorothiazide are good at lowering blood pressure, this new research shows that they don’t carry the same risks. Doctors and patients need to talk about the pros and cons of each option to find the safest choice.
But medicine isn’t the only answer. Healthy lifestyle changes are just as important. Eating more fruits and vegetables, getting regular exercise, cutting back on salt and alcohol, quitting smoking, and finding ways to reduce stress can all help lower blood pressure.
It’s also helpful to check your blood pressure at home so you and your doctor can see how well your treatment is working.
This research, led by George Hripcsak and published in JAMA Internal Medicine, is a strong reminder that even similar drugs can affect the body in very different ways. More studies in the future will help doctors offer better, safer treatments for each person.
For now, if you’re taking blood pressure medicine, stay informed, ask your doctor questions, and go to your regular check-ups. Working together with your healthcare provider is the best way to stay healthy and safe.
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