Long-term use of blood pressure drugs may cause kidney damage, study suggests. Summary: New kidney research is raising concerns that long-term use of ACE inhibitors and other drugs commonly prescribed to treat high-blood pressure and heart failure could be contributing to kidney damage.
Does high blood pressure medicine affect kidneys?
Diuretics. Doctors use these medicines, also known as water pills, to treat high blood pressure and some kinds of swelling. They help your body get rid of extra fluid. But they can sometimes dehydrate you, which can be bad for your kidneys.
What is the safest blood pressure medicine for your kidneys?
ACE inhibitors and ARBs are two types of blood pressure medicine that may slow the loss of kidney function and delay kidney failure. You can tell if you're taking one of these medicines by its generic name.
What medication can damage kidneys?
Your kidneys could be damaged if you take large amounts of over-the-counter medications, such as aspirin, naproxen and ibuprofen. None of these medicines should be taken daily or regularly without first talking to your healthcare provider.
What are the long term side effects of blood pressure medication?
Over time, however, they can cause insomnia and sleep disorders, depression, poor circulation (in the form of cold hands and feet), and erectile dysfunction. As with diuretics, Beta Blockers can affect the sugar reading of diabetics, so it is important to check your readings often.
35 related questions foundCan you live a long life on blood pressure medication?
Frail, older people with health problems may live longer if they take the blood pressure medications their doctors prescribe, according to a study published in the August 2020 issue of the journal Hypertension. Previous research suggests that in general, older people benefit from blood pressure drugs.
Does blood pressure medication shorten your life?
(HealthDay)—Tighter control of high blood pressure may add years to people's lives, a new study estimates. Researchers calculated that for a typical 50-year-old with high blood pressure, more aggressive treatment could translate into three extra years of life.
Can kidneys heal?
If there aren't any other problems, the kidneys may heal themselves. In most other cases, acute kidney failure can be treated if it's caught early. It may involve changes to your diet, the use of medications, or even dialysis.
What blood pressure medications cause kidney failure?
Popular diuretics include hydrochlorothiazide, furosemide, and spironolactone. They are associated with a risk for acute kidney injury.
What are signs of kidney damage?
Depending on how severe it is, loss of kidney function can cause:
- Nausea.
- Vomiting.
- Loss of appetite.
- Fatigue and weakness.
- Sleep problems.
- Urinating more or less.
- Decreased mental sharpness.
- Muscle cramps.
What is the safest high blood pressure medication?
Methyldopa, which works to lower blood pressure through the central nervous system, has the lowest risk of harming the mother and developing fetus. Other possible safe options include labetalol, beta-blockers, and diuretics.
How can I protect my kidneys from medication?
You can protect your kidneys by lowering cholesterol. Eat a low-fat, high-fiber diet. Be sure to get regular exercise. And again, take the medicines your doctor prescribes.
Can kidney damage from high blood pressure be reversed?
If kidney disease is caught early, it can often be reversed by treating the cause, such as high blood pressure. Once kidney disease reaches a more advanced stage, the damage cannot be reversed.
Why do my kidneys hurt after taking medication?
Kidney damage happens because high doses of the drugs have a harmful effect on kidney tissue and structures. These drugs can also reduce the blood flow to the kidney. If you are older, your kidneys may have a stronger reaction to these medicines and you may need a smaller dose.
How long does high blood pressure take to damage kidneys?
Uncontrolled high blood pressure is the second leading cause of kidney failure in the US. Severe high blood pressure can harm kidney function over a relatively short period of time. Even mild forms of high blood pressure can damage kidneys over several years.
Is lisinopril hard on kidneys?
This can damage the blood vessels of the brain, heart, and kidneys resulting in a stroke, heart failure, or kidney failure. Lowering blood pressure can reduce the risk of strokes and heart attacks.
What is the safest blood pressure medicine for the elderly?
Angiotensin Receptor Blockers
ARBs are considered the alternative first-line treatment for hypertension in the elderly population when a diuretic is contraindicated. In elderly hypertensive patients with diabetes or HF, ARBs are considered first-line treatment and an alternative to ACE inhibitors.
Is drinking a lot of water good for your kidneys?
Water helps the kidneys remove wastes from your blood in the form of urine. Water also helps keep your blood vessels open so that blood can travel freely to your kidneys, and deliver essential nutrients to them. But if you become dehydrated, then it is more difficult for this delivery system to work.
Is walking good for your kidneys?
Reporting online May 15 in the Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology, Taiwanese researchers found that regular walks helped kidney disease patients live longer, and also cut the odds they'd need dialysis or a kidney transplant.
Which exercise is best for kidney?
Choose continuous activity such as walking, swimming, bicycling (indoors or out), skiing, aerobic dancing or any other activities in which you need to move large muscle groups continuously. Low-level strengthening exercises may also be beneficial as part of your program.
What is the life expectancy of a person with high blood pressure?
For all-cause death, absolute excess risks ranged from 10.1 to 107.6 per 1000 in 25 years. For men with higher BP levels, ie, high-normal BP and stages 1, 2, and 3 hypertension, estimated life expectancy was shorter by 2.2, 4.1, 8.4, and 12.2 years, respectively, compared with men with normal BP.
What is the downside of taking blood pressure medicine?
These medications may cause: Dizziness, lightheadedness, or weakness when standing up suddenly or getting up in the morning (from reduced blood pressure) Fast heart rate.
What should you not take with blood pressure medicine?
Some common types of OTC medicines you may need to avoid include:
- Decongestants, such as those that contain pseudoephedrine.
- Pain medicines (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen and naproxen.
- Cold and influenza medicines. ...
- Some antacids and other stomach medicines. ...
- Some natural health products.
Can high blood pressure be completely cured?
There is no cure for high blood pressure. But treatment can lower blood pressure that is too high. If it is mild, high blood pressure may sometimes be brought under control by making changes to a healthier lifestyle.
Can I get off high blood pressure medication?
The more weight lost, the more blood pressure can drop. As you lose weight, it may be possible to reduce your dose of blood pressure medication — or stop taking blood pressure medication completely. Never make changes to your blood pressure medication on your own, however.
