Headlines like “Popular blood pressure drug linked to increased cardiac arrest risk” can be misleading if read without context.
Here’s what the evidence shows:
- Some older observational studies suggested that high doses of certain calcium channel blockers, particularly high-dose nifedipine (a type of dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker), might be associated with a higher risk of sudden cardiac arrest in some people. However, these studies did not prove that the drugs caused cardiac arrest, and the absolute risk was low. (CORDIS)
- Many commonly prescribed blood pressure medications—including ACE inhibitors, ARBs, thiazide diuretics, and most calcium channel blockers—have been shown in large clinical trials to reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, heart failure, and death by controlling high blood pressure. (professional.heart.org)
It’s also important to know that:
- Uncontrolled high blood pressure itself is a major risk factor for heart attack, stroke, heart failure, and sudden cardiac arrest.
- Rarely, some heart medications can contribute to abnormal heart rhythms in susceptible people or when combined with other medications or electrolyte abnormalities, but this does not mean everyone taking them is at increased risk. (www.heart.org)
What should you do?
- Do not stop taking your blood pressure medication because of a headline. Stopping suddenly can cause your blood pressure to rise and may increase your risk of serious cardiovascular events.
- If you’re concerned about a specific medication, discuss it with your healthcare professional. They can weigh the benefits and risks based on your medical history.
If you tell me which blood pressure medication you’re referring to (for example, amlodipine, nifedipine, lisinopril, losartan, metoprolol, etc.), I can explain what is known about its safety and common side effects.
