The effects of antihypertensive medications on physical function

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Pharmacology
• Physical Therapy

Background:

• Limited research exists on the impact of antihypertensive medications on physical function.
• Previous studies yielded mixed results and examined only a few drug classes and physical function measures.
• A national sample is needed to investigate associations between various antihypertensive medication classes and physical function.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the association between specific antihypertensive medication classes and multiple measures of physical function.
• To analyze data from a national sample of U.S. middle-to-older aged adults.

Main Methods:

• Utilized data from the 1999-2002 and 2011-2012 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES).
• Assessed antihypertensive medication use, including Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, peripherally-acting antiadrenergic agents, and centrally-acting antiadrenergic agents.
• Measured physical function through lower extremity isokinetic knee extensor strength (IKES), grip strength, 8-ft and 20-ft walk tests, and self-reported physical activity.

Main Results:

• Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE) inhibitors were associated with 37% reduced odds of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity.
• ACE inhibitor use correlated with reduced knee extensor strength and slower performance on 8-ft and 20-ft walk tests.
• Peripherally-acting antiadrenergic agents were linked to reduced grip strength.

Conclusions:

• Antihypertensive medication use, particularly ACE inhibitors, is associated with declines in physical function.
• Clinicians should monitor the long-term mobility and physical function of patients prescribed antihypertensive medications.