Researchers analyzed registry data from Denmark and the Netherlands to investigate whether there is a link between blood pressure medication and out-of-hospital cardiac arrest.
According to TCTMD, as cited by LADBible, the findings indicate a possible increased risk associated with one particular medication.
However, the researchers believe the results need to be confirmed by further studies.
Experts from the European Society of Cardiology also stated, according to LADBible, that the findings are not sufficient reason for patients to discontinue their treatment.
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The risk applies to high doses
The potential increased risk applies to high doses of nifedipine of at least 60 milligrams per day.
According to TCTMD, the Dutch data showed a 45 percent higher risk of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, while the Danish data indicated an almost twofold increase in risk.
Nifedipine has been used by millions of patients for many years to treat high blood pressure and angina.
The researchers therefore recommend that patients with concerns speak with their doctor and not change their treatment based on this study alone.
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Not all medications show the same pattern
The study also compared amlodipine, which belongs to the same class of drugs.
According to EurekAlert, the researchers did not find the same association with cardiac arrest for amlodipine.
Another study, cited by Knowridge, also suggests that short-acting nifedipine at moderate to high doses may be associated with higher mortality in patients with coronary artery disease.
However, the researchers emphasize that there is still insufficient evidence regarding the long-term effects.
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