High blood pressure, also referred to as hypertension, is a common problem in the United States. Fortunately, exercise, diet and other lifestyle changes can go far in reducing blood pressure, and it’s actually easier to make these kinds of changes than you may think. There’s a fantastic guidebook called Blood Pressure Truth that shows you what you need to change in order to get your blood pressure under control. In many cases, these are simple alterations or additions to your normal lifestyle. However, many patients with this condition end up on medication for high blood pressure. There are many different types of high blood pressure medication available, and it can be a matter of trial and error to find the one that works the best for each patient. This article will provide an overview of some of the most common types of medication used to treat high blood pressure today.
Diuretics: Diuretics, also known as water pills, are often the first line of defense in high blood pressure control. These medications work by getting rid of excess salt and fluid in the body, thus reducing blood pressure. There are a number of side effects associated with diuretics, however, and the drugs do not work with every patient. Nevertheless, they can be an effective form of high blood pressure medication for many patients.
Beta Blockers: This is another commonly prescribed medication that works by reducing your heart’s workload by lowering the requirement for blood and oxygen. Beta blockers also help to control irregular heartbeats and are commonly used to treat a variety of heart arrhythmias. Beta blockers often work best when they are combined with another medication like a diuretic.
ACE Inhibitors: ACE stands for angiotensin converting enzyme. This high blood pressure medication works by dilating blood vessels to increase blood flow throughout the body. This allows blood to flow more freely so the heart doesn’t have to work as hard to pump it. These drugs are also commonly prescribed with other medications for best results.
Calcium Channel Blockers: Calcium channel blockers also help blood to flow more freely by relaxing the muscles surrounding the blood vessels. This medication can also slow the heart rate. People taking calcium channel blocks should not drink grapefruit juice because it interferes with the performance of the medication.
Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers: This high blood pressure medication blocks the action of a chemical in the body that narrows blood vessels. The result is that the blood can flow through the body more freely so the heart doesn’t have to work as hard. These medications are most frequently prescribed to patients who do not tolerate an ACE inhibitor well.
There are many different types of high blood pressure medication available, and some of these high blood pressure drugs work more effectively for some patients than others. If you have high blood pressure, talk to your doctor about the best choice in medication for you.
