The reality regarding Medications Used to Treat High Blood Pressure - Hypertension
Management of hypertension includes:
o Slimming down (simply a few pounds might help)
o Exercise
o Diet changes
o Medications
There are currently eight types of medications used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure).
1. Central acting medications - these have an effect on your nervous system to lessen nerve signals that cause your blood vessels to constrict. Example - clonidine.
2. Diuretics - these are better known as "water pills". These help your body eliminate excess water in your body by urinating it out. Examples - Furosemide and hydrochlorothiazide.
3. Direct vasodilators - relax the circulation system walls' muscles - thus dilating them. Examples - minoxidil and hydralazine
4. Angiotensin - converting enzyme inhibitors - these keep your body from producing a hormone that triggers the arteries to constrict. Examples - lisinopril, quinapril, and benazepril (and other medications using the ending from the word = ...pril)
5. Beta - blockers - these slow the heart rate. This will cause less force to be exerted in your circulation system walls and reduces blood pressure. Examples include - atenolol, propranolol, and carvedilol (and other medications with the ending of the word = ....olol
6. Angiotensin II receptor blockers - these protects your body from the hormone that causes the arteries to constrict. Examples - irbesartan, candesartan, and olmesartan (along with other medications with ending from the word = .....sartan).
7. Calcium channel blockers - these keep the blood vessels from constricting by keeping calcium from entering your own body's cells. Examples - diltiazem, felodipine, nicardipine, and verapamil.
8. Alpha blockers - these help relax arteries by reduction of nerve signals. Examples - doxazosin, terazosin, and prazosin (and other medications with the ending from the word = ....zosin).
Should you receive a new prescription out of your doctor - ensure that you go ahead and take medication as prescribed.