Diverticulosis is a condition in which small pouches form in the wall of the intestines. These pouches usually appear in the lower part of the large intestine.
Many people do not notice any symptoms, and the condition is often found by chance during medical tests.
However, as people get older, the risk increases. In some cases, these pouches can become inflamed or infected, leading to a painful condition called diverticulitis, which may require urgent medical care.
High blood pressure is another very common health problem around the world. It affects about one in ten adults and often develops without clear symptoms. Over time, high blood pressure can damage blood vessels and organs, raising the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and kidney disease.
Because of these dangers, doctors usually recommend lifestyle changes such as healthier eating, exercise, and less salt, along with medications to keep blood pressure under control.
Several types of medicines are commonly used to treat high blood pressure. These include ACE inhibitors, beta‑blockers, and calcium channel blockers. Each type works in a different way to relax blood vessels and reduce pressure.
Millions of people rely on these drugs every day, often for many years. Although they are known to be effective, scientists are still studying their long‑term effects on other parts of the body.
A new study from Imperial College London has explored whether these medicines might have unexpected effects. The research was led by Dr. Dipender Gill and used a special method called genetic analysis.
Instead of giving drugs to people, the scientists studied natural differences in genes that act in a similar way to the medications. This approach helps researchers understand possible long‑term effects without exposing people to risk.
The team first identified the proteins in the body that blood pressure medicines target. These proteins help control how blood vessels tighten or relax. Next, the researchers examined genetic data from about 750,000 people to find gene variations that affect these proteins.
They then checked whether people with these gene differences had higher or lower risks of developing other health problems. The study looked at about 900 different diseases using data from the UK Biobank, a large health database in the United Kingdom.
The findings showed a possible link between a specific group of calcium channel blockers and diverticulosis. This group is known as non‑dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers. Scientists think the connection may be related to how these medicines affect the muscles of the intestines.
The intestines rely on gentle muscle movements to push food through the digestive system. If these movements slow down or change, pressure inside the intestines could increase, which might encourage the formation of pouches in the intestinal wall.
It is important to understand that this study does not prove the medicines directly cause diverticulosis. It only shows a possible link that needs more research.
Many factors, including diet, aging, and lifestyle, also play a role in the development of the condition. Even so, the discovery may help doctors better understand side effects and improve treatment choices in the future.
Researchers stress that patients should not stop taking blood pressure medication without medical advice.
High blood pressure can lead to life‑threatening problems if left untreated, and for most people, the benefits of these medicines are still much greater than the possible risks. Anyone concerned about side effects should speak with their doctor to discuss the safest options.
This study, published in the journal Circulation, is part of a growing effort to understand how widely used medicines affect the whole body over time. In the future, such research could lead to more personalized treatments that control blood pressure while reducing unwanted effects, helping people live longer and healthier lives.
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 information about blood pressure, 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.
Copyright © 2026 Knowridge Science Report. All rights reserved.
