New insights reveal potential side effects of common hypertension medication, highlighting the importance of personalized treatment.
High blood pressure medications, notably Amlodipine, are now under scrutiny for a common side effect: swelling in the feet and wrists. Dr. Vito Anggarino Damay,SpJP (K),M.Kes, AIFO-K, explains that this occurs as Amlodipine works by widening blood vessels. This dilation can impede blood flow returning to the heart, leading to fluid accumulation in the foot tissues and subsequent swelling.
Despite this side effect, Amlodipine remains a valuable treatment option, especially for elderly patients or those with stiffened blood vessels. “This drug is not inherently bad; it just needs to be tailored to the patient’s physical condition,” Dr. Vito stated.
As an option, Dr. Vito suggests Candesartan, an Angiotensin Receptor Blocker (ARB). Unlike Amlodipine, Candesartan inhibits the hormone angiotensin II and causes less extreme vasodilation, thereby reducing the likelihood of foot edema. Though, he emphasizes that all antihypertensive therapies must be chosen based on an individual’s health profile, as Candesartan can also present side effects, albeit generally milder ones.
Beyond medication, Dr. Vito underscores the critical role of non-pharmacological interventions for individuals with mild or early-stage hypertension. Lifestyle modifications are presented as a crucial initial step, including:
- Reducing sodium intake
- Engaging in at least 30 minutes of daily exercise
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Implementing stress management techniques such as relaxation or meditation
- Ensuring adequate and quality sleep
- Increasing the consumption of fruits and vegetables
If blood pressure does not improve with these lifestyle changes, medication may still be necessary, determined by a physician’s assessment. Dr. Vito also clarifies that foot swelling caused by Amlodipine is frequently enough misattributed to conditions like varicose veins or heart failure.In reality, it is a direct physiological response to blood vessel dilation and not an indicator of cardiac damage.