Death risk increased with two blood pressure drugs

High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a major risk factor for heart disease, the leading cause of death in the United States. But a new ...

High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a major risk factor for heart disease, the leading cause of death in the United States. But a new study has found that two classes of medication that are commonly used to lower blood pressure could present a death risk all on their own.

Researchers have identifIed two blood pressure drugs that could raise mortality risk.

Scientists at the Intermountain Medical Center Heart Institute in Salt Lake City, UT, found that individuals with hypertension who used alpha blockers and alpha-2 agonists to control their blood pressure showed an increase in blood pressure variability, which could increase mortality risk.

Lead study author Dr. Brian Clements and team have recently presented their findings at the 2018 American College of Cardiology (ACC) Scientific Sessions, held in Orlando, FL.

Blood pressure is the force of blood that pushes against the wall of the arteries. And, in November last year, the American Heart Association (AHA) and the ACC set new guidelines.

Now, a person is considered to have hypertension if their systolic blood pressure (the top number) is 130 millimeters of mercury (mmHg) or higher, and their diastolic blood pressure (the bottom number) is 80 mmHg or higher.

Systolic blood pressure is the force of blood against the artery walls when the heart is beating, while diastolic blood pressure is the force of blood when the heart is at rest, or between heartbeats.