Recent medical research conducted by scientists in Canada and Northern Ireland has revealed some frightening data about certain blood pressure pills. The most concerning issue is that those who use certain medications may be at an increased risk of lung cancer. The scientist involved in the study reviewed outcomes of two different types of blood medications used to treat high blood pressure.
ACEs vs. ARBs: Blood Pressure Medications Under Scrutiny
The scientific research involved analyzing the use of certain drugs called “ACEs” (angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor) vs. “ARBs” (angiotensin receptor blockers). The ACE drugs had an unexpected and shocking side effect, showing a 14 percent increase lung cancer in the patients involved in the study.
Bariatric Surgery: The Plusses.
While no one wants to undergo surgery, it may be the healthier choice when it comes to dealing with high blood pressure. Surgery poses risks, but once bariatric surgery is complete and the patient recovers, there are incredible health benefits.
High Blood Pressure and Obesity
Excess weight puts great stress on the body, including on the circulatory system. For overweight patients, medical professionals treat high blood pressure with prescription medications, many of which are ACE drugs. These drugs may pose a risk to patient health, particularly if taken for ten years or more.
Many people are considering bariatric surgery to reduce BMI to less than 30 – considered a healthy condition. If you are able to lose weight naturally, it is the healthiest way to manage weight as well as high blood pressure, plus reduce the risk of diabetes. Not every person is able to lose weight naturally – and that’s when our professional surgical team at West Medical can help.
Bariatric Surgery at West Medical
At West Medical in Los Angeles, we focus on enhancing the health and appearance of our patients. Many patients come to us for bariatric surgery, as no other treatment has helped them resolve problems with extreme weight. The benefits of this surgery extend far beyond the patient achieving a more attractive body shape: health is greatly improved, reducing several serious conditions, including:
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- Sleep apnea
Types of Bariatric Surgery at West Medical
At West Medical, our team of bariatric surgeons offers a full array of weight loss procedures, including:
- Lap-Band
- Gastric Bypass
- Gastric Balloon
- Obalon
- Gastric Sleeve Surgery
- Dual Gastric Balloon
- Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty
Maintaining a healthy weight has a significant impact on your overall body health. If you have struggled with excessive weight you just cannot lose, no matter what diet or exercise program you follow, we invite you to find out more about the modern options for bariatric surgery. If you are currently on ACE drugs to manage blood pressure, you may want to consider a longer-lasting, healthier solution.
Obesity and Diabetes
Another unfortunate side effect of obesity, diabetes is reaching epidemic levels in the USA. It is well established that weight loss can improve, control – or even cure, type 2 diabetes. Various factors come into play, including the areas of the body that are storing the excess fat. Bodies with an “apple” shape have been identified as being more likely to develop diabetes. If weight loss is the answer for this unhealthy body condition, taking the approach of bariatric surgery may be, in the end, the healthiest, safest, and most long-lasting way to live a healthy life.
The NIH (National Institutes of Health) advises those with a BMI of over 40 to consider bariatric surgery as a solution for medical issues such as diabetes, heart disease, and sleep apnea. Hypertension is a common problem for those who have a BMI over 40 – and at West Medical, we invite you to discover a surgical solution that will help you have a healthier, happier life.