Adverse association identified for calcium channel blocker use, glaucoma (39% greater than with other blood pressure meds)

Medical Xpress / JAMA Ophthalmology ^ | Sept. 9, 2023 | Elana Gotkine / Alan Kastner et al / Paula Anne Newman-Casey et al

[ConservativeMind]

There is an adverse association between calcium channel blocker (CCB) use and glaucoma, according to a study.

Alan Kastner, M.D. and colleagues examined the association between systemic CCB use and glaucoma and related traits in a population-based cross-sectional study involving U.K. Biobank participants with complete data for analysis of glaucoma status, intraocular pressure (IOP), and optical coherence tomography-derived inner retinal layer thicknesses. Data were included for 427,480 adults (median age, 58 years), including 33,175 CCB users (7.8 percent).

The researchers found that use of CCBs, but not other antihypertensive agents, was associated with increased odds of glaucoma after adjustment for key sociodemographic, medical, anthropometric, and lifestyle factors (odds ratio, 1.39). CCB use was also associated with thinner macular ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer and macular retinal nerve fiber layer thickness (−0.34 and −0.16 µm, respectively), but not with IOP.

"This cross-sectional study adds further support to an adverse association between CCB use and glaucoma, despite no apparent association with IOP," the authors write. "This warrants further investigation to determine whether the associations are causal and to probe potential underlying biological mechanisms."

[ConservativeMind]

It appears it may make key retinal layers much thinner, encouraging glaucoma without increasing pressure.

Consider switching blood pressure medicines, if concerned.

[ConservativeMind]

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[ProtectOurFreedom]

From the Mayo Clinic...

Examples of calcium channel blockers include:

Amlodipine (Norvasc).
Diltiazem (Cardizem, Tiazac, others).
Felodipine.
Isradipine.
Nicardipine.
Nifedipine (Procardia).
Nisoldipine (Sular).
Verapamil (Verelan).

[devere]

Switch to what? They all have side effects.

[ConservativeMind]

ARBs are probably the most benign.

[devere]

ARB side effects https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/losartan-oral-route/side-effects/drg-20067341

[ConservativeMind]

Telmisartan is a newer one with even fewer side effects and some benefits losartan doesn’t have.

Regardless, these are better than the other options, overall.

[TheCipher]

The article fails to mention 2 key factors: the dosage the participants were taking and how long they have been taking it.

[steve86]

I take both diltiazem and losartan (so does my brother); almost 100% of the anti-hypertensive effect is due to the CCB and the ARB is there for protective effects only.

[sauropod]

.

[Raycpa]

The likely cause of my heart attack was spasm. I learned that calcium channel blockers are used because for that. I may have little choice. I already had detached retinas but dont know cause. Not sure its related. The detachment came a few months after covid shot.

[telescope115]

I am taking one 10mg tab of amlodipine every day. I don’t know if that’s a high dose, I am going to have to talk to him about that.
Once again, thanks for all you do!

[telescope115]

Talk to my doctor…..🙄

[matthew fuller]

You might want to try nattokinase-

https://www.healthydirections.com/articles/heart-health/lower-your-blood-pressure-naturally-with-nattokinase

[devere]

Yes, nattokinase is very good, and I do take it every day.

[combat_boots]

Supplements

https://gettr.com/post/p2qsw7td9da