A new study has raised an important health concern. It suggests that a certain type of blood pressure medicine might be linked to a higher risk of suicide.
The study was led by Muhammad Mamdani from St. Michael’s Hospital and published in the medical journal JAMA Network Open.
The research looked at a group of medicines called angiotensin receptor blockers, or ARBs. These are commonly used to treat high blood pressure, heart problems, and kidney disease. The study compared ARBs to another group of similar medications called ACE inhibitors.
Both types of drugs help lower blood pressure, but they work in slightly different ways. ACE inhibitors reduce the amount of a hormone called angiotensin II, while ARBs stop this hormone from working by blocking its effects in the body.
What the study found was concerning. People who were taking ARBs had a 63% higher risk of dying by suicide than those taking ACE inhibitors. This doesn’t mean ARBs definitely cause this risk, but it shows there might be a link that needs more research.
The scientists used Canadian health records and found 964 people who died by suicide within 100 days of starting either ARBs or ACE inhibitors. They compared these people to over 3,000 others who were taking the same drugs but didn’t die by suicide.
One possible reason for the increased risk could be how ARBs affect the brain. The study suggests that these drugs might raise levels of angiotensin II in the brain, which could change mood and raise the risk of suicidal thoughts or actions.
It’s important to remember that both ARBs and ACE inhibitors are widely used and have helped many people manage serious health problems. Also, some people in the study were taking antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications like benzodiazepines, which can also affect mental health. This makes it harder to know for sure what caused the increased risk.
The researchers say that while the results are concerning, more studies are needed to understand the full picture. People who are taking ARBs should not stop their medication suddenly. Instead, they should talk to their doctor about their treatment and whether a change might be needed.
In the meantime, doctors and patients should be aware of this possible risk. This study is a reminder that medications can affect not only our physical health but also our mental well-being. With careful monitoring and more research, we can make better decisions to keep people safe and healthy.
If you care about high blood pressure, please read studies that early time-restricted eating could help improve blood pressure, and natural coconut sugar could help reduce blood pressure and artery stiffness.
For more health information, please see recent studies about added sugar in your diet linked to higher blood pressure, and results showing vitamin D could improve blood pressure in people with diabetes.
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