Anti-acid medication associated with high blood pressure development
In a significant finding, a study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association in 2025 has suggested a connection between long-term use of Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) and an increased risk of developing hypertension, particularly in menopausal women.
The study, conducted at the University of Buffalo - SUNY, found an association between PPI use and new cases of hypertension in menopausal women enrolled in the WHI-OS (Women's Health Initiative Observational Study). Out of 64,720 menopausal women, the study found 28,951 new cases of hypertension after a mean follow-up of 8.7 years.
The researchers attribute this potential link to the reduction of nitric oxide brought on by PPIs. Nitric oxide, a natural vasodilator made by the body, relaxes blood vessels, which lowers blood pressure. By short-circuiting this process, PPIs slow down the production of stomach acid.
The risk of hypertension appears to increase with duration of PPI use. Hazard ratios for hypertension were 1.13 for less than one year, 1.17 for one to three years, and 1.28 for more than three years of use. Additionally, new PPI users had a statistically significant increase in systolic blood pressure over three years compared to nonusers (+3.39 mm Hg).
Other studies have identified links between long-term PPI use and increased risks of cardiovascular events, including heart attacks. However, the strongest direct evidence relating PPIs to hypertension comes from the study focused on menopausal women.
It's important to note that managing and alleviating acid reflux symptoms is crucial, as developing GERD could lead to a higher risk of developing Barrett's esophagus, a dangerous condition.
Maintaining a normal weight, not smoking, engaging in moderate to vigorous physical activity for at least 30 minutes a day, and restricting coffee, tea, and sodas to no more than 2 cups per day can help control GERD, acid reflux, and heartburn. Eating foods with a higher pH, such as bananas, melons, cauliflower, fennel, and nuts, can help offset stomach acid and control acid reflux. Some foods, such as olive oil, apple cider vinegar, carob, turmeric, and high-fiber foods, can be safe remedies for acid reflux.
PPIs block an enzyme called the hydrogen-potassium ATPase pump or the "proton pump" for short. They inhibit the proton pump enzyme from completing a chemical process needed to make stomach acid. By doing so, they help reduce the amount of acid in the stomach, providing relief for those suffering from acid reflux.
However, the potential risks associated with long-term use of PPIs, particularly the increased risk of hypertension, should be carefully considered. If you are currently using PPIs and have concerns about your long-term health, it is recommended that you discuss these concerns with your healthcare provider.
References: [1] Burt VK, et al. Proton pump inhibitor use and incident hypertension among postmenopausal women: results from the Women's Health Initiative Observational Study. Journal of the American Heart Association. 2025;6(1):e019990. doi:10.1161/JAHA.119.019990.
[3] Blankenberg S, et al. Long-term use of proton pump inhibitors and risk of cardiovascular events: a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies. Journal of Clinical Epidemiology. 2016;76:101-108. doi:10.1016/j.jclinepi.2016.01.015.
- The study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association in 2025 suggests a connection between long-term use of Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) and an increased risk of developing hypertension, particularly in menopausal women.
- The study by the University of Buffalo - SUNY found an association between PPI use and new cases of hypertension in menopausal women, linking this potential link to the reduction of nitric oxide brought on by PPIs.
- The study focused on menopausal women provides the strongest direct evidence relating PPIs to hypertension, even though other studies have identified links between long-term PPI use and increased risks of cardiovascular events.
- Considering the potential risks associated with long-term use of PPIs, particularly the increased risk of hypertension, it is recommended that individuals using PPIs discuss their long-term health concerns with their healthcare provider.
