Severe side effects possible for those taking strong medicine to curb high blood pressure, Hong Kong researchers say
Chinese University researchers warn about the consequences of those taking aggressive action to bring their blood pressure down to more normal levels
Stronger doses of medication for patients who experience big blood pressure swings might not cut the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. Instead, they are more likely to suffer severe side effects such as fainting.
Chinese University of Hong Kong researchers, who analysed data on over 8,000 American patients, discovered that those with bigger blood pressure fluctuations and who tried to push it to a more normal level, were 26 per cent more likely to suffer from the side effects of drugs, compared to those who were less aggressive in controlling their blood pressure.
“[The result] could indicate how we should set treatment goals and who might not need [stronger treatment],” said Professor Samuel Wong Yeung-shan, associate director of the university’s school of public health and part of the research team.
The study also highlighted the importance of long-term monitoring of blood pressure.
“If we could monitor a patient’s data every day, we could more likely check health changes,” said Professor Kelvin Tsoi Kam-fai, also part of the team and an associate professor in the university’s Stanley Ho Big Data Decision Analytics Research Centre.