High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a very common health problem. In Australia, it affects more than one in three adults.
Many people may not even realise they have it, because it often has no clear symptoms.
However, if it is not treated, it can lead to serious health problems over time, such as heart disease, stroke, and kidney damage. Because of these risks, controlling blood pressure is very important for long-term health.
To manage high blood pressure, doctors often recommend lifestyle changes first. These include eating less salt, being more physically active, and maintaining a healthy weight. For many people, however, lifestyle changes alone are not enough, and medication is needed to keep blood pressure under control.
One of the most commonly used medicines for this condition is hydrochlorothiazide. It has been prescribed for many years and is widely used because it is effective, affordable, and generally safe. This medicine works by helping the body remove extra fluid and salt through urine, which helps lower blood pressure and reduce strain on the heart.
However, new research from UNSW Sydney has raised concerns about a possible long-term side effect of this drug. The study suggests that hydrochlorothiazide may be linked to a higher risk of certain types of skin cancer, especially in older adults. This finding is important because many people take this medication for years.
One reason for this possible risk is that hydrochlorothiazide can make the skin more sensitive to sunlight. When the skin becomes more sensitive, it is easier to get sunburned. Over time, repeated sun damage can increase the risk of skin cancer.
In this study, researchers looked at medical records from the Department of Veterans’ Affairs. They focused on people in New South Wales who were aged 65 and older.
The data included information about cancer diagnoses, hospital visits, and medications people had used. The study covered a period from 2004 to 2015 and included more than 13,000 older adults.
The researchers compared people who developed skin cancer with those who did not. Among the cancer cases, there were people with malignant melanoma and also people with lip cancer. The results showed that those who had taken hydrochlorothiazide were more likely to develop these types of skin cancer compared to those who had not taken the drug.
The study also found that the risk of lip cancer increased with longer use of the medication. This suggests that long-term exposure may play an important role. While the overall risk for any one person may still be low, the finding is important because so many people use this medication.
Even though these results may sound worrying, experts strongly advise that people should not stop taking their blood pressure medication without medical advice. High blood pressure itself is a serious condition, and stopping treatment suddenly can lead to dangerous health problems, including heart attack or stroke.
Instead, the best approach is to manage the risk in a balanced way. Patients and doctors should talk openly about the benefits and risks of the medication. In many cases, the benefits of controlling blood pressure will still be greater than the possible risks.
There are also simple ways to reduce the risk of skin damage while taking this medicine. Protecting the skin from the sun is very important.
This includes using sunscreen regularly, wearing hats and protective clothing, and avoiding direct sunlight during the hottest parts of the day. Regular skin checks can also help detect any early signs of skin cancer, which makes treatment more effective.
Because of this new evidence, the official prescribing information for hydrochlorothiazide in Australia has been updated. It now includes warnings about the possible increased risk of skin cancer, especially for people who use the medicine for a long time. This update helps ensure that doctors are aware of the risk and can give better advice to their patients.
The study, led by Dr. Benjamin Daniels, was published in the journal Basic & Clinical Pharmacology & Toxicology. It supports findings from earlier research in other countries, which also suggested a link between this medication and skin cancer.
Overall, this research is a reminder that while medicines are important for treating health conditions, they can sometimes have unexpected effects. Regular check-ups and good communication with healthcare providers are key to staying safe and healthy.
When treating long-term conditions like high blood pressure, it is important to consider the whole body, including both heart health and skin health.
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 How to eat your way to healthy blood pressure and results showing that Modified traditional Chinese cuisine can lower blood pressure.
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