by Jan McBarron M.D.,N.D. (Health Headline News)

A new study in the journal Lancet Oncology suggests that one class of widely used blood pressure medications may increase risk of cancer.

A meta-analysis is a study of many different studies, all on the same topic. This meta-analysis noted that people who took a class of drugs, known as ARBs (angiotensin-receptor blockers), to control blood pressure were almost 2% more likely to be diagnosed with cancer during a four year period.

The study looked at the one class of blood pressure drugs that includes medications like Micardis, Cozaar, Diovan, and Avapro. The risk for developing cancer while taking these blood pressure medications was 7.2%. Researchers concluded the increased risk of new cancer occurrence is modest but significant. A distinguished cardiologist at the Cleveland Clinic was noted as saying that the results of these studies are “disturbing and provocative, raising crucial drug safety questions for doctors and the regulatory community.”

While it is admirable to strive to control blood pressure to prevent the risk of stroke and heart attack, is it sensible to give a drug that could increase a person’s risk of cancer?

Learn more about high blood pressure including what you can do naturally to help keep it under control: Hypertension

Over 100 Condition Specific Natural Recommendations from Dr. McBarron: Natural Recommendations