Why some blood pressure medications are associated with a higher risk of suicide
Do you take medication for high blood pressure, chronic kidney disease, heart failure or diabetes?
If so, a recent study might give you an alarm.
The study says certain blood pressure medications may be associated with a higher risk of suicide.
What did the study find out?
Researchers at St. Michael’s Hospital combed through Canadian health records. They found 964 people who ended their own lives within 100 days of receiving a new prescription.
These people were taking either angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) or ACE inhibitors, two common types of blood pressure medication.
What is surprising? People taking ARBs were 63% more likely to die by suicide than people taking ACE inhibitors.
Why ARBs might be risky
Both ARBs and ACE inhibitors work on a hormone called angiotensin II, which narrows your blood vessels and increases your blood pressure.
However, they do this in different ways: ARBs block the effects of this hormone, while ACE inhibitors reduce the amount of it your body produces.
Scientists think ARBs may increase levels of this hormone in the brain. Higher levels could be linked to mood disorders, which in turn could lead to suicidal thoughts and actions.
But don’t jump to conclusions just yet. Some people in the study were also taking other medications, such as antidepressants, so more research is needed to find out what’s really going on.
Should you be concerned?
The research team suggests that if you’re concerned, you might want to consider switching to ACE inhibitors.
However, do not make any changes without first talking to your doctor. Your doctor can help you weigh the pros and cons of your current medication and advise you on any changes.
The overall picture of high blood pressure
High blood pressure isn’t just a number on a meter; It’s a serious health problem. Uncontrolled high blood pressure can lead to other major problems like heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure.
Therefore, it is important to get your blood pressure under control. However, this study suggests that you should also be aware of other potential risks, as this research has brought to light.
In summary, if you’re taking ARBs, you might want to have a conversation with your doctor. It’s about finding the right balance for your mental and physical health.
The study, led by Muhammad Mamdani and his team, was published in JAMA Network Open. If you’re interested in this topic, you might want to check out other studies on high blood pressure, its causes, and possible treatments.
If you are concerned about blood pressure, please read studies on blood pressure medications that may increase risk of sudden cardiac arrest, and these teas may help lower high blood pressure.
For more information on mental health, see recent studies on How dairy products can affect depression riskand results are displayed Omega-3 fats can help relieve depression.
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