New blood pressure medications may increase cancer risks

A recent study suggests that a number of blood pressure medications may increase the risk of getting cancer.

The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) began an investigation after the release of a new study hinting that a certain class of drug may increase the risk of getting cancer.

Angiotensin receptor blockers (ARB) are used for controlling blood pressure. Currently available ARBs include Diovan by Novartis AG, Cozaar by Merck, and Avapro by Bristol-Myers Squibb and Sanofi-Aventis.

In the study published in the medical journal Lancet, the rate of new cancer cases was 7.2 percent for patients who took ARB compared to only 6 percent among patients who did not take such drugs. This was determined through examining data from more than 1,000 patients in several long-term clinical trials.

The FDA has not yet confirmed whether or not ARBs increase the risk of cancer.

The American Heart Association states that high blood pressure may lead to heart attack, angina, stroke, kidney failure, and peripheral artery disease.

Considering the risks of taking hypertensive drugs, experts explain that it might be better to opt for natural ways of controlling high blood pressure. Adapting a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise and a nutritional diet is proven beneficial.

Taking supplements containing potassium, calcium, fish oil, magnesium and garlic might also help.