A new study from Columbia University looked at health data from more than 730,000 people over 17 years. These people were all taking medicine to treat high blood pressure, a condition that affects millions of people worldwide.
High blood pressure, also called hypertension, can lead to serious problems like heart attacks, heart failure, and strokes if not treated properly. This study helps us better understand two common medicines used for this condition: chlorthalidone and hydrochlorothiazide.
For many years, both of these medications have been widely used to lower blood pressure. They work in a similar way and are often thought to be equally effective.
However, this large study showed that there may be important differences in their safety. Even though both medications lower blood pressure well, chlorthalidone was linked to a higher chance of causing harmful side effects than hydrochlorothiazide.
One of the biggest concerns was low potassium levels in the blood, which doctors call hypokalemia. Potassium is a mineral that helps your heart and muscles work properly.
If your potassium gets too low, it can cause muscle weakness, confusion, abnormal heart rhythms, and even life-threatening problems. In this study, 6.3% of people who took chlorthalidone developed low potassium, while only 1.9% of people taking hydrochlorothiazide had this issue.
Chlorthalidone was also connected to more problems with electrolytes (the salts and minerals in your blood) and with kidney function. These problems can be dangerous and may lead to kidney failure or increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. What’s more, these side effects happened even when people took lower doses of chlorthalidone.
These results raise questions about the idea that chlorthalidone is better or safer than hydrochlorothiazide. For years, some treatment guidelines have recommended chlorthalidone as the first choice.
But this study suggests that doctors may need to think carefully before choosing it, especially for patients who might already be at risk for kidney problems or low potassium.
Treating high blood pressure is very important. But it’s not just about taking medicine. People can also help manage their blood pressure by making healthy lifestyle changes.
This includes eating less salt, exercising regularly, reducing stress, avoiding smoking, drinking less alcohol, and checking blood pressure at home. Even with these changes, many people still need medicine to keep their blood pressure under control.
This study, led by Dr. George Hripcsak and published in JAMA Internal Medicine, reminds us that not all medicines are the same, even if they seem similar. It’s important for doctors to look at both the benefits and the risks before choosing a treatment.
Patients should also talk to their doctors about any side effects they may have. As this research shows, choosing the right medication can make a big difference in a person’s health and safety.
If you care about high blood pressure, please read studies about unhealthy habits that may increase high blood pressure risk, and drinking green tea could help lower blood pressure.
For more information about high blood pressure, please see recent studies about what to eat or to avoid for high blood pressure, and 12 foods that lower blood pressure.
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