New research has found that taking a combination of three or four blood pressure medications at lower doses can be as safe and effective as traditional treatment options. The study showed that patients who were treated with low-dose combination therapy saw their systolic blood pressure decrease by an average of 16 to 28 millimeters of mercury over four to 12 weeks. This is compared to the 12 to 18 millimeters of mercury decrease in patients taking one drug or receiving usual care. In addition, low-dose combination therapy also lowered blood pressure more than a placebo. While one-third of patients may require treatment intensification to achieve better control rates, the study offers a promising alternative to traditional treatment options that often rely on one or two medications. However, larger randomized clinical trials would be needed to assess and compare the long-term effectiveness and adverse effects of low-dose combination therapy.
