Some blood pressure meds may increase suicide risk

A common type of blood pressure medication may be associated with an increased risk of suicide, a new study suggests.

 

Researchers found that those taking angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) were more likely to die by suicide than those taking other types of blood pressure medications, called ACE inhibitors. The findings suggest that the risk of death by people committing suicide. On ACE inhibitors was increased by 63% in patients using ARBs. But the study could not prove a cause and effect relationship.

There is cause for some serious concern” Told by lead researcher Muhammad Mamdani, Director of the Applied Health Research Center of the Lee Ka Shing Knowledge Institute at St. Michael’s Hospital in Toronto. Now I will go and change everyone’s prescriptions? No, not now. We should do more work in this area.

 

“But of course if I had a choice as a patient, I’d choose ACE inhibitors over ARB,” Mamdani concluded.

 

Both ARB and ACE inhibitors work by interfering with the action of angiotensin II. A hormone in the body that constricts blood vessels. ARBs work by blocking the ability of angiotensin II to bind to narrow receptors and command blood vessels. Although ACE inhibitors actually reduce the amount of hormones produced within the body.

 

Both drugs are widely used to treat hypertension, chronic kidney disease, heart failure, and diabetes, the study’s authors said, in background notes. Mamdani and her colleagues pursued their new research based on earlier studies suggesting that ARB may be associated with suicide risk. Using the Canadian Health Database, investigators identified 964 people who died by suicide within 100 days of being prescribed either ARB or ACE inhibitors. He then compared those with a control group of more than 3,000 people who were taking any type of blood pressure medication.

 

Results showed that people taking ARB had a significantly higher risk of suicide than an ACE inhibitor.

 

“It is a fairly commonly used drug, and many people will be affected by it. Some people, especially if you are susceptible to mood disorder, may be at even greater risk,” Mamdani said . They stated that ARB can increase angiotensin II levels in the brain. Mamdani suggested, It may be considered to mood disorders conditions; and it can trigger suicidal type behavior. However, there is currently no evidence that angiotensin II has anything to do with mood or suicide intentions, Drs. Said Robert Carey, Dean Emeritus of the University of Virginia School of Medicine.

I think those speculations are exactly the same; Carey said. “There is no real mechanism by which a person can distinguish the risk of suicide.” Carrie said that other factors that may affect the risk of suicide could be messing with these patients. For example, some were taking benzodiazepines or antidepressants, “which could have an effect on suicide rates,” he told. The study also does not assess underlying substance abuse, prior mental health hospitals or previous emergency department visits, Dr. Cardiologist, a Mount Sinai hospital in New York City. Said Susan Steinbaum.

The study was published online at the JAMA Network Open on 16 October.

I don’t think it can be considered; as evidence to switch from ARBs to ACE inhibitors. Carrie concluded. The mechanism is absolutely up in the air and requires more basic study.