Women who are on medication for high blood pressure have a lower risk of developing uterine fibroids, according to recent research. Uterine fibroids are common in women under the age of 50. More studies are needed to understand how blood pressure medications might influence the development of fibroids. Medications that help control high blood pressure may provide a new strategy for preventing uterine fibroids. Research published in the journal JAMA Network Open indicates that women with untreated or new onset hypertension have an increased risk of fibroids, while those who are on antihypertensive treatments for high blood pressure have a reduced risk. The study authors suggest that antihypertensive medication use could potentially prevent the development of fibroids in high-risk women.
High blood pressure affects about 120 million adults in the United States, with 44% of them being women. It can lead to various health issues in the heart, eyes, kidneys, and brain. There is also a link between high blood pressure and uterine fibroids, a type of muscular tumor that grows in the walls of the uterus. Research suggests that elevated blood pressure may contribute to the development of fibroids through the renin-angiotensin system and other factors. It is also possible that the presence of fibroids could raise blood pressure, suggesting a bidirectional relationship. Women between the ages of 20 and 50 may develop uterine fibroids, with the condition being more common in those in their 40s and early 50s.
Experts note that fibroids and hypertension share similarities, such as being common conditions associated with morbidity, changes in smooth muscle cells, and a higher prevalence in people of African descent. Fibroids can cause symptoms such as pain, heavy menstrual bleeding, frequent urination, and pressure in the rectum. Hypertension has been consistently identified as a risk factor for fibroids. The new research suggests that some blood pressure medications may play a role in preventing the development of fibroids by lowering blood pressure and possibly protecting against arterial smooth muscle injury.
Despite the potential benefits of blood pressure medications in reducing the risk of fibroids, more research is needed to determine how these medications work to prevent fibroids from occurring. Some experts emphasize the importance of understanding the mechanisms of action of antihypertensive medications and their impact on fibroid development before recommending them as a preventive measure. Regardless, it is crucial for individuals with hypertension to manage their condition effectively to reduce the risk of serious complications such as heart failure, stroke, and kidney failure. High blood pressure should be taken seriously, and treatment should be pursued promptly when diagnosed.
Dr. Vivek Bhalla, an associate professor of medicine specializing in hypertension, suggests that antihypertensive medications may lower the risk of atherosclerosis and smooth muscle injury in the arteries supplying blood to the uterus, possibly contributing to the prevention of fibroids. However, the specific mechanisms by which these medications may prevent fibroids remain unclear. Dr. Parveen Garg, a cardiologist, emphasizes the importance of treating hypertension to prevent life-threatening complications. While more research is needed to fully understand the potential role of blood pressure medications in preventing fibroids, experts agree on the importance of managing hypertension effectively through lifestyle changes and, if necessary, antihypertensive medications. The study represents a significant step in investigating the link between high blood pressure and uterine fibroids and highlights the need for further research in this area.
