Combining several low doses of blood pressure drugs may be preferable for some patients with hypertension (high blood pressure), based on a recent study that links low-dose blood pressure medications to fewer side effects and complications.
Published in the American Heart Association journal Hypertension, this study analyzed all available evidence on low-dose blood pressure medication. The goal was to see whether prescribing lower doses helps maximize benefits and minimize side effects of blood pressure drugs.
Minimizing side effects is especially important for patients with high blood pressure, since high blood pressure requires long-term treatment and medication adherence. While one in three American adults has high blood pressure, only half of patients with high blood pressure have their condition under control. It’s likely that better medication adherence would improve blood pressure management and outcomes.
A total of 42 clinical trials were included in the analysis, which included 20,284 adults with high blood pressure. Studies tested multiple combinations of medications, including calcium channel blockers, beta blockers, angiotensin receptor blockers, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and thiazide diuretics, all of which are commonly used to treat hypertension. Study participants were assigned to varying treatments, ranging from a placebo with no active medication to a low-dose (one-quarter of the standard prescribed dose) or standard full-dose of medication.
After an average of seven weeks, researchers found that a single low-dose medication resulted in a significant reduction in blood pressure compared to the inactive placebo. However, the more types of low-dose medication participants took, the larger the average blood pressure reduction was. For example, participants taking two low-dose medications had an average blood pressure reduction of 6.7/4.4 mmHg, while those taking four drugs had an average blood pressure reduction of 22.4/13.1 mmHg.
Low-dose medications did not appear to increase risk for adverse events compared to the placebo drug and adverse events were significantly less common compared to the standard dose.
However, authors also note that taking one or two low-dose medications was not as effective in lowering blood pressure when compared to taking a single, full dose.
Findings are promising, as effectively treating patients with high blood pressure remains a challenge. Many patients with high blood pressure are already taking medication but don’t have their condition under control. For patients with poor blood pressure control, it’s possible that using a combination of low-dose medications may serve as a useful alternative to standard treatment.
However, authors note that additional research is needed to better understand which patients stand to benefit most from this treatment strategy. In the meantime, experts encourage providers to discuss this treatment option with patients, especially with patients that struggle with side effects and complications.