High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a major risk factor for heart disease, the leading cause of death in the United States alone. But a new study has found that two classes of drugs commonly used to lower blood pressure could pose a risk of death on their own.
Risk of death with two drugs for high blood pressure
Researchers have identified two blood pressure medications that may increase the risk of mortality.
Scientists at the Intermountain Medical Center Heart Institute in Salt Lake City, UT, found that people with hypertension who used alpha-blockers and alpha-2 agonists to control their blood pressure showed increased variability in blood pressure, which could increase blood pressure. risk of death.
Blood pressure is the force of the blood pushing against the wall of the arteries. And, in November of last year, the American Heart Association (AHA) and ACC established new guidelines.
Systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure
Now, a person is considered to have hypertension if their systolic blood pressure (the top number) is 130 millimeters of mercury (mmHg) or more, and their diastolic blood pressure (the bottom number) is 80 mmHg or more.
Systolic blood pressure is the force of blood against the artery walls when the heart beats, while diastolic blood pressure is the force of blood when the heart is at rest or between heartbeats.
The updated guidelines mean that nearly half of adults in the United States have high blood pressure, putting them at higher risk for heart attack, stroke, and heart disease, among other health problems.
Of course, when it comes to treating hypertension, the goal is to lower your blood pressure. This can be accomplished through lifestyle changes, such as adopting a healthy diet and increasing physical activity, medications, or both.
Previous research, however, has found that consistency is key to blood pressure levels. A study published in The BMJ, for example, linked greater variability in systolic blood pressure with a 15 percent increase in all-cause mortality.
The study
Types of medications used to lower blood pressure can contribute to this mortality risk.
For their study, the researchers analyzed data from more than 10,500 adults with high blood pressure.
Participants had their blood pressure measured at least seven times, and the type of blood pressure medication they were using was monitored.
The team used these data to assess whether certain classes of blood pressure medications were associated with variability in blood pressure levels.
Alpha blockers and alpha-2 agonists
The study revealed two classes of blood pressure medications that were associated with greater variability in blood pressure in subjects: alpha blockers and alpha-2 agonists.
Alpha blockers, which include doxazosin mesylate and prazosin hydrochloride, work by dilating blood vessels. Alpha-2 agonists, such as methyldopa, work by attacking the activity of the sympathetic nervous system, thus reducing the constriction of blood vessels.
"Patients need to know what their blood pressure is,", "and if it goes up and down all the time, the patient should work with their doctor to explore options for better blood pressure medications that reduce the variations."
"Where possible, the two types of drugs that show increased variance should be avoided."
Other safe drug options
They adds that ace inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers, calcium channel blockers, and thiazide diuretics may be safer treatment options for people with hypertension. "People who take other types of blood pressure medications have a higher risk of death," he adds.
However, the variability of blood pressure is not solely reduced to medication. The way in which blood pressure is measured can have a significant effect on readings.
Because of the variables that affect blood pressure measurements, "finding ways to more accurately measure blood pressure can better identify effective treatments for patients with hypertension."
To get accurate blood pressure readings, she recommends sitting or lying down for 15 minutes before taking measurements. It can also help to avoid stressful situations and wear a well-fitting blood pressure cuff.

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