A new study published in JAMA has raised concerns about the safety of certain blood pressure medications for people with atrial fibrillation (AFib), a common condition that causes an irregular heartbeat. The research suggests that some patients may have a higher risk of serious bleeding when combining specific medications to manage their heart condition.
AFib increases the chance of blood clots and strokes, so patients are often prescribed blood thinners (anticoagulants) to prevent clots and medications to control their heart rate. However, how these drugs interact can vary from person to person, and some combinations may lead to unintended side effects.
The study, led by Dr. Eli Zimmerman from Northwestern University, analyzed data from Medicare patients aged 65 and older who were taking blood thinners—either apixaban or rivaroxaban—along with diltiazem or metoprolol, two common drugs used to regulate heart rate. The study examined patient records from 2012 to 2020.
The results showed that patients taking diltiazem had a 20% higher risk of being hospitalized or dying due to serious bleeding compared to those using metoprolol. However, both groups had similar outcomes when it came to stroke prevention and other types of bleeding events.
Researchers believe the increased bleeding risk with diltiazem could be due to how these medications are processed in the body, which may lead to harmful drug interactions.
Dr. Zimmerman emphasized the importance of further research to understand why some people are more vulnerable to these side effects. One potential solution is for doctors to regularly monitor drug levels in patients’ blood to adjust doses and minimize risks. This personalized approach could improve treatment safety and effectiveness.
For older adults, who are more likely to experience complications from AFib and high blood pressure, balancing the benefits and risks of different treatment options is essential.
Lifestyle factors can also play a role in managing heart health. Cutting back on excessive coffee intake may help regulate blood pressure, especially for those with severe hypertension. Some studies suggest that adopting a plant-based diet or eating within specific time windows can naturally lower blood pressure.
These findings provide valuable insights for improving care for people with AFib and high blood pressure. They also highlight the importance of individualized treatment plans to reduce serious side effects while keeping the condition under control.
Patients who take blood thinners and heart rate medications should discuss their treatment options with their doctors to ensure the safest and most effective approach.
If you care about blood pressure, please read studies about blood pressure drug that may increase risk of sudden cardiac arrest, and these teas could help reduce high blood pressure.
For more information about health, please see recent studies about nutrient that could strongly lower high blood pressure, and results showing this novel antioxidant may help reverse blood vessels aging by 20 years.
Copyright © 2025 Knowridge Science Report. All rights reserved.