Submitted by Dr T on May 22, 2014 – 8:00am
Question:
Hi Doctor,
My doctor wants to put me on an ACE inhibitor for my hypertension (160/100). I asked him if he knew of any studies correlating longevity with long term use of BP meds, either double blind or cohort. He avoided my question.
I can’t find such evidence. It would be nice if there was something in the scientific literature that showed use of ACE inhibitors translated into, say, a seven year extension of lifespan in humans. Surely this evidence exists?
Thanks!
Regards,
Usuff
My doctor wants to put me on an ACE inhibitor for my hypertension (160/100). I asked him if he knew of any studies correlating longevity with long term use of BP meds, either double blind or cohort. He avoided my question.
I can’t find such evidence. It would be nice if there was something in the scientific literature that showed use of ACE inhibitors translated into, say, a seven year extension of lifespan in humans. Surely this evidence exists?
Thanks!
Regards,
Usuff
Hi Usuff,
- Hypertension is one of the most important risk factors for Coronary Artery Disease (CAD).
- Hypertensive patients have double the risk of CAD compared with patients with a normal blood pressure.
- Hypertension causes almost 750,000 deaths/year in the US alone.
Patients with Hypertension also have a much higher incidence of other cardiac risk factors. If you want to lower your cardiac risk, take the ACE.
Hope this helps,