Some Get Risky Blood Pressure Drug Combo

Most people who are prescribed two specific types of blood pressure drugs don’t need that combination. In fact, it can be harmful for them, a study finds. The study included more than 32,000 people over age 65. All took medicine for high blood pressure. Some took an angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor. Some took an angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB). About 5% took both drugs. Taking both drugs is known to benefit people with very specific medical problems. Most people in the study who took both drugs did not have these problems. This study confirmed that the combination can harm other people. Those who continued to take both drugs had higher rates of kidney failure, end-stage renal disease and death than people who took one drug. But most of those taking both drugs quit within 3 months. Researchers said it may have been because of very low blood pressure.