Can Antihypertensive Drugs Cause Anemia?
High blood pressure, or hypertension, can lead to a number of serious health complications if left untreated. To combat this, medications known as antihypertensives are commonly prescribed. While these drugs can be effective in controlling blood pressure, there is some concern that they may cause anemia in some cases.
Anemia is a medical condition in which the body does not have enough healthy red blood cells to carry oxygen to the tissues. This can lead to fatigue, shortness of breath, and other symptoms. It is usually caused by a lack of iron, folate, or vitamin B12 in the diet. However, there are some medications that can also increase the risk of anemia.
Antihypertensive drugs are known to interfere with the body’s ability to absorb iron, folate, and vitamin B12. This can lead to a deficiency of these nutrients, which can in turn cause anemia. Other medications, such as diuretics and beta blockers, may also increase the risk of anemia.
In most cases, the risk of anemia from taking antihypertensive drugs is low. However, people who take multiple medications or who have a pre-existing deficiency of iron, folate, or vitamin B12 may be more at risk.
It is important to talk to your doctor if you are taking antihypertensive drugs and have any symptoms of anemia. Your doctor can assess your risk factors and recommend a course of treatment if needed. It is also important to get regular blood tests to check for deficiencies in iron, folate, or vitamin B12, if you are taking antihypertensives or other medications that could increase the risk of anemia.