High Blood Pressure, also known as Hypertension, is a chronic condition where the force of blood against the artery walls is consistently too high. Even though quite common, if left untreated, the condition can lead to heart attack and stroke. Along with diet and exercise, medication too, is prescribed to keep BP under check, and it is usually a lifelong process that cannot be discontinued without consulting a doctor. However, the medicine, which is usually a blood thinner (to prevent clots from high BP) can also have side effects, the most prominent being loss of key nutrients from our body. Here's how...

Which BP medicines cause nutrient loss

The most common types of blood pressure medicines that can affect nutrient levels are:

Diuretics: These help your body get rid of excess salt and water through urine to lower blood pressure.

Beta-blockers and other medicines: Some may affect nutrient absorption or metabolism indirectly.

Among these, diuretics cause maximum nutrient depletion because they increase the excretion of minerals through the kidneys.

Let's take a closer look at the nutrient loss through BP medicines

1. Potassium
Potassium is an important mineral that helps regulate fluid balance, nerve signals, and muscle contractions, including the heartbeat. It , along with sodium, maintains healthy blood pressure and muscle function.

How it is affected: Diuretics cause your kidneys to excrete more potassium in urine, which can lead to low potassium levels (hypokalemia). Low potassium can cause muscle weakness, cramps, irregular heartbeat, and chronic fatigue.

2. Magnesium
Magnesium is involved in over 300 enzyme reactions in your body. It helps muscles relax after contraction, supports nerve function, protects brain health, and contributes to strong bones by regulating calcium and vitamin D.

How it is affected: Diuretics can result in magnesium loss through urine. Low magnesium may cause muscle cramps, anxiety, and bone weakness.

3. Calcium
As we all know, calcium is essential for strong bones and teeth, muscle contractions, nerve signaling, and blood clotting.
How it is affected: Some blood pressure medicines, especially corticosteroids can reduce calcium absorption and bone cell function. This can increase the risk of osteoporosis and bone fractures.

4. Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 is crucial for red blood cell formation, nerve function, DNA synthesis, and energy production.
How it is affected: Certain blood pressure medicines and related drugs like metformin (for diabetes) can interfere with vitamin B12 absorption, leading to deficiency. This can cause fatigue, nerve problems, and anemia.

5. Zinc
Zinc supports immune function, skin health, cell growth, and wound healing. It also plays a role in taste and smell.
How it is affected: Long-term use of some medications that reduce stomach acid (which can be prescribed alongside blood pressure medicines) may reduce zinc absorption, leading to deficiency.

6. Sodium
Sodium helps regulate fluid balance and nerve function. However, too much sodium can raise blood pressure.
How it is affected: Diuretics increase sodium loss through urine, which helps lower blood pressure but can sometimes lead to imbalances affecting energy and muscle function.

Other side effects
When blood pressure medicines cause loss of these nutrients, it can also lead to symptoms like muscle cramps, weakness, fatigue, irregular heartbeat, bone pain, and poor immune response. Over time, these deficiencies can increase the risk of complications like osteoporosis, anemia, and nerve damage.