There are many drugs that can be used to treat hypertension. The target of drug therapy in hypertension is to reduce bloodstream pressure so that you have a lower risk of complications.
Frequently, a single blood pressure drug might not be sufficient to control your blood pressure, and you might require two or more drugs. It is very important that you take the drugs prescribed to you. If you have side effects, your health care provider can substitute a different medication.
There are 5 primary categories of drugs that are used to lower hypertension. There are various kinds and brands of drug in each class. The following gives a brief overview of each of the classes.
Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme – ACE Inhibitors
These drugs work by reducing the amount of a chemical that you make in your bloodstream that is known as angiotensin II. This chemical tends to tighten and narrow the blood vessels. Consequently, less of this chemical causes the blood vessels to relax and widen, and so the pressure of the blood flowing through the blood vessels is decreased.
There are various kinds and brands of ACE inhibitors, such as Captopril, Cilazapril, Enalapril, Fisinopril, Lisinopril, Perindopril, Quinapril, Ramipril, and Trandolapril. An ACE inhibitor is particularly helpful if you also have heart failure or diabetes.
Angiotensin Receptor Blockers
These drugs are sometimes known as angiotension II receptor antagonists. There are various kinds and brands, such as Candesartan, Eprosartan, Irbesartan, Losartan, Olmesartan, Telmisartan and Valsartan. They work by blocking the effect of angiotensin II on the blood vessel walls. They have a very similar effect to ACE inhibitors, and are often used by people who don’t tolerate the ACE inhibitors well.
Calcium-Channel Blockers
These drugs affect the way calcium is utilized within the blood vessels and heart muscle. Calcium-Channel Blockers have a relaxing effect on the blood vessels, again causing them to widen and allow the blood to flow through the vessels with less pressure. You’ll find various kinds and brands, such as Amlodipine, Diltiazem, Felodipine, Isradipine, Lacidipine, Lercanidipine, Nicardipine, Nifedipine, Nisoldipine, and Verapamil. Calcium-channel blockers can also be used to treat angina.
Diuretics
The most commonly used diuretic to treat hypertension is known as Bendroflumethiazide. Other examples are Chlorothiazide, Chlorthalidone, Cyclopenthiazide, Hydrochlorothiazide, and Indapamide. Diuretics work by increasing the amount of salt and fluid that you excrete through your urine. This has some impact on reducing the fluid within the circulation which reduces blood pressure. Diuretics also have a relaxing effect on the blood vessels which reduces the pressure within the blood vessels.
Only a low dose of a diuretic is required to treat hypertension. Consequently, you’ll not notice a lot diuretic effect, that is, you’ll not pass a lot additional urine. You will require a bloodstream check prior to beginning a diuretic to determine that your kidneys work well. You should also have a blood check to determine that your bloodstream potassium has not been affected within 4-6 weeks of beginning treatment with a diuretic. After that, a yearly blood check is usually all that is needed.
Beta-blockers
There are various kinds and brands of beta blockers. For example, Acebutolol, Atenolol, Bisoprolol, Metoprolol, Oxprenolol, Pindolol, Propanaolol, Sotalol, and Timolol. They work by slowing the heart rate, and reducing the force from the heart. These actions reduce the blood pressure. Beta-blockers are also commonly utilized to treat angina, and some other conditions.
