Benzodiazepines are commonly prescribed medications, primarily recognized for their effectiveness in treating anxiety and insomnia. While their calming effects are well-documented, the question of whether benzodiazepines influence blood pressure is less clear. A recent study delved into this very question, aiming to understand the relationship between regular benzodiazepine use and blood pressure levels. This article will explore the findings of this research, shedding light on the potential effects of these medications on hypertension.
Study Overview: Design and Methodology
To investigate the impact of benzodiazepines on blood pressure, researchers conducted a retrospective analysis utilizing an extensive Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring (ABPM) database spanning from 2009 to 2015. The study meticulously divided participants into two groups: those who had been receiving benzodiazepine treatment for at least three months prior to ABPM testing, and a control group of untreated individuals. This design allowed for a comparison of blood pressure readings between the two groups, considering the potential long-term effects of benzodiazepine use. To ensure a robust analysis, researchers employed a Generalized Estimating Equation (GEE) linear model. This advanced statistical technique enabled them to assess the independent association between benzodiazepine treatment and various ABPM measurements, including 24-hour, daytime, and nighttime systolic and diastolic blood pressure readings. This rigorous methodology aimed to isolate the effect of benzodiazepines from other factors that could influence blood pressure.
Key Findings: Results of the Study
Alt text: An ambulatory blood pressure monitoring device being worn on a patient’s wrist and arm, illustrating the technology used to collect blood pressure data over a 24-hour period for the study on benzodiazepines and hypertension.
The study’s analysis encompassed a substantial dataset of 5020 ABPM studies, providing a strong foundation for its conclusions. Out of these, 713 studies were from patients undergoing benzodiazepine treatment, while 4307 were from untreated patients. Notably, the benzodiazepine-treated group exhibited certain demographic and health characteristics that differed from the control group. They were, on average, older, with a higher proportion of female participants, and a greater prevalence of diabetes. Furthermore, this group was more likely to be taking multiple antihypertensive medications.
After carefully accounting for these differences – age, gender, diabetes status, and the number of antihypertensive medications – through multivariate analysis, the study revealed a significant association. Benzodiazepine treatment was independently linked to statistically significant lower systolic blood pressure across all measured periods: 24-hour, daytime, and nighttime. Specifically, the reductions were -2.176 mmHg, -2.040 mmHg, and -2.11 mmHg, respectively. Similarly, diastolic blood pressure was also significantly lower in the benzodiazepine group across all periods, with reductions of -1.802 mmHg (24-hour), -1.720 mmHg (daytime), and -1.788 mmHg (nighttime).
Interestingly, further analysis stratified by age revealed a crucial nuance. The association between benzodiazepine consumption and lower ABPM measurements was primarily observed in the elderly group, defined as patients 60 years of age and older. In contrast, this effect was not apparent in younger patients within the study.
Implications and Conclusion
The findings of this study suggest that benzodiazepine use is independently associated with lower blood pressure, specifically in individuals aged 60 and above. This association was consistent across all parameters of ambulatory blood pressure monitoring, encompassing both systolic and diastolic readings throughout the day and night. While benzodiazepines are not intended or prescribed as blood pressure medications, this research indicates a potential blood pressure-lowering effect in older adults who use these drugs regularly. This information is valuable for healthcare professionals when considering the overall medication profiles and health management of elderly patients, particularly those with or at risk of hypertension. Further research is warranted to explore the mechanisms behind this association and to determine the clinical significance of these findings in managing blood pressure in older populations.
