Antihypertensive drugs are prescribed to individuals with high blood pressure. There are varieties of these drugs such as diuretics, ACE inhibitors, alpha and beta blockers, calcium channel blockers and blood vessel dilators.
Some of these drugs are linked to serious risks for certain forms of cancers, liver damage, stroke and heart attack. These drugs can also cause a diversity of side effects.
What are the usual side effects?
Antihypertensive medications can cause various side effects. They tend to vary depending on the type of drug is used.
The usual side effects include:
- Constipation – calcium channel blockers
- Dehydration – diuretics
- Dry mouth – central alpha agonists
- Dizziness – alpha blockers
Other effects include upset stomach, drowsiness, headaches and increased sensitivity to sunlight or cold.
Risk for cancer
Various types of antihypertensive medications are linked to a higher risk for cancer. In a study conducted, angiotensin-receptor blockers (ARB) has been linked to a higher risk for cancer.
Even calcium channel blockers and other forms of antihypertensive medications increases the risk for cancer as well.
Risk for stroke and heart attack
It is important to note that not only are the short-acting calcium channel blockers linked to cancer but also shown to increase the risk for death from a heart attack. These drugs should be prescribed with caution.
Statins were made to lower the cholesterol levels but becoming widely used to lower the blood pressure. These drugs have been linked to various health conditions such as depression, liver disease, heart attack and stroke.