The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is investigating whether or not some commonly-used blood pressure medications may increase users’ risk of getting cancer.

According to Reuters, the FDA began its investigation following the release of a study that suggested that the class of drugs known as angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) increased the risk of cancer.

That study, published in the medical journal Lancet, examined data from more than 1,000 patients in several long-term clinical trials. It found the rate of new cancer cases was 7.2 percent for patients who took an ARB compared with 6 percent among patients who did not take one of the drugs.

The medications in question include Novartis AG’s Diovan, Merck & Co’s Cozaar and Avapro from Bristol-Myers Squibb Co and Sanofi-Aventis SA.
The FDA said it has not yet determined if ARBs increase the risk of cancer. However, the agency said that it, "believes the benefits of ARBs continue to outweigh their potential risks."

According to the American Heart Association, high blood pressure increases the risk for heart attack, angina, stroke, kidney failure and peripheral artery disease.

Natural ways to control and prevent hypertension include lifestyle changes like weight loss and exercise as well as supplements containing potassium, calcium, fish oil, magnesium and garlic.