Medication
There are several classes of drugs designed to reduce blood pressure (also called antihypertensive drugs or simply antihypertensives). The following are the most commonly used antihypertensives: ACE inhibitors Beta blockers Diuretics Calcium channel blockers (CCBs) Sartans (angiotensin receptor blockers, or ARBs)
Nutrition
How well a drug works for you can depend on your age, sex, race, blood pressure level and overall health. Combining two drugs usually works better than a single drug to get your blood pressure under control. Sometimes additional medication is needed to achieve your blood pressure goal.
What drugs are used to treat high blood pressure?
For this reason, the Joint National Commission on Hypertension Detection Evaluation and Treatment (JNCVII) recommended thiazide diuretics as first line therapy for patients with hypertension, unless there were special reasons to select another type of drug.
How well do blood pressure medications work?
They are usually prescribed for those whose high blood pressure is difficult to control or who have diabetes or heart failure. Examples are spironolactone (Aldactone, Carospir) and eplerenone (Inspra).
What is the first line of treatment for hypertension (high blood pressure)?
What are the different types of blood pressure tablets?
What is the most common drug used to treat high blood pressure?
the ACE inhibitor lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril) tops the list, followed by amlodipine besylate (Norvasc), a calcium channel blocker, and. generic hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ).
What treatment is used for high blood pressure?
Diuretics help the body get rid of excess sodium (salt) and water and help control blood pressure. They are often used in combination with additional prescription therapies.
What is the first drug of choice for high blood pressure?
The strongest body of evidence indicates that for most patients with hypertension, thiazide diuretics are the best proven first-line treatment in reducing morbidity and mortality.
What are names of blood pressure medications?
Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitorsbenazepril (Lotensin)captopril (Capoten)enalapril (Vasotec)fosinopril (Monopril)lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril)moexipril (Univasc)perindopril (Aceon)quinapril (Accupril).More items...
Other Medications Sometimes Used to Treat High Blood Pressure
If you're unable to reach your blood pressure goal with one or more of the above medications, other drugs that lower blood pressure include: 1. Alp...
High Blood Pressure and Other Health Problems
High blood pressure often goes hand in hand with other health problems, including: 1. Heart failure 2. Previous heart attack or stroke 3. Coronary...
Keep Trying to Reach Your Blood Pressure Goal
It's not unusual to try several medications or doses before finding what works best for you. An important way for you and your doctor to know if yo...
What is the role of central agonists in blood pressure?
Central agonists also help decrease the blood vessels' ability to tense up or contract. The central agonists follow a different nerve pathway than the alpha and beta-blockers, but accomplish the same goal of blood pressure reduction.
What is the drug that prevents calcium from entering the heart?
Calcium channel blockers. This drug prevents calcium from entering the smooth muscle cells of the heart and arteries. When calcium enters these cells, it causes a stronger and harder contraction, so by decreasing the calcium, the hearts' contraction is not as forceful. Calcium channel blockers relax and open up narrowed blood vessels, ...
What is the effect of angiotensin on the blood vessels?
ARBs block the receptors so the angiotensin fails to constrict the blood vessel. This means blood vessels stay open and blood pressure is reduced .
What is the chemical that causes the arteries to become narrow, especially in the kidneys but also throughout the body?
Angiotensin is a chemical that causes the arteries to become narrow, especially in the kidneys but also throughout the body. ACE stands for Angiotensin -converting enzyme. ACE inhibitors help the body produce less angiotensin, which helps the blood vessels relax and open up, which, in turn, lowers blood pressure.
Why does angiotensin need a receptor?
Angiotensin needs a receptor- like a chemical "slot" to fit into or bind with- in order to constrict the blood vessel. ARBs block the receptors so the angiotensin fails to constrict the blood vessel. This means blood vessels stay open and blood pressure is reduced. Generic name. Common brand names.
What is a blood vessel dilator?
Blood vessel dilators (vasodilators) Blood vessel dilators, or vasodilators, can cause the muscle in the walls of the blood vessels (especial ly the arterioles) to relax , allowing the vessel to dilate (widen). This allows blood to flow through better.
What is a combined alpha and beta blocker?
Combined alpha and beta-blockers are used as an IV drip for those patients experiencing a hypertensive crisis. They may be prescribed for outpatient high blood pressure use if the patient is at risk for heart failure.
What are some examples of blood pressure medications?
Examples are spironolactone (Aldactone, Carospir) and eplerenone (Inspra). How well a drug works for you can depend on your age, sex, race, blood pressure level and overall health.
What are some examples of medications that can cause high blood pressure?
Examples include hydralazine and minoxidil. Aldosterone antagonists. These medications are often used with other drugs, such as a diuretic. Aldosterone antagonists block the hormone aldosterone, which sometimes causes salt and fluid retention, contributing to high blood pressure.
What are some examples of ACE inhibitors?
There are several ACE inhibitors available. Examples include enalapril (Vasotec, Epaned), lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril, Qbrelis) and ramipril (Altace). Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs). These drugs block the action of angiotensin, a chemical in your body that narrows your arteries and veins.
What are some examples of beta blockers?
Examples of beta blockers include metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol-XL), nadolol (Corgard) and atenolol (Tenormin). Renin inhibitors. Renin is a substance produced by your kidneys that triggers a series of steps that increases blood pressure.
What are some examples of calcium channel blockers?
Examples of calcium channel blockers include amlodipine (Norvasc), diltiazem (Cardizem, Tiazac, others), nifedipine (Adalat CC, Procardia) and verapamil (Verelan, Calan). Beta blockers. These drugs work by blocking the effects of the hormone epinephrine, also known as adrenaline.
What are the different types of diuretics?
There are three types of diuretics: thiazide, loop and potassium-sparing. Examples of diuretics include chlorothiazide (Diuril), bumetanide (Bumex) and amiloride (Midamor). If diuretics aren't enough to lower your blood pressure, your doctor might recommend adding other blood pressure medications to your treatment.
How well do drugs work?
How well a drug works for you can depend on your age, sex, race, blood pressure level and overall health. Combining two drugs usually works better than a single drug to get your blood pressure under control. Sometimes additional medication is needed to achieve your blood pressure goal.
What is the treatment for high blood pressure?
Drugs that are used in the treatment of high blood pressure are called antihypertensives.
How effective is antihypertensive therapy?
Treatment is most effective when the person and doctor communicate well and collaborate on the treatment program. Different types of antihypertensives reduce blood pressure by different mechanisms, so many different treatment strategies are possible.
What is the name of the drug that causes a person to faint?
Terazosin. Fainting (syncope) with the first dose, awareness of rapid heartbeats (palpitations), dizziness, low blood pressure when the person stands (orthostatic hypotension), and fluid retention (edema) Beta-blockers. Acebutolol.
What is angiotensin 2 receptor blocker?
Angiotensin II receptor blockers. Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) lower blood pressure by a mechanism similar to the one used by angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors: They directly block the action of angiotensin II, which causes arterioles to constrict.
What factors are considered when choosing an antihypertensive?
In choosing an antihypertensive, doctors consider such factors as. The person's age, sex, and race. The severity of high blood pressure. The presence of other conditions, such as diabetes or high blood cholesterol levels. Potential side effects, which vary from drug to drug.
Why are alpha blockers no longer used?
The risk of side effects is higher for older people. Alpha-blockers are no longer used as the main therapy because they do not decrease the risk of death. Peripherally acting adrenergic blockers are usually only used if a third or fourth type of drug is needed to control blood pressure.
What is guanfacine med?
Guanfacine. Methyldopa. Drowsiness, dry mouth, fatigue, an abnormally slow heart rate, rebound high blood pressure when the drug is withdrawn (except with methyldopa ), and sexual dysfunction. With methyldopa, depression, low blood pressure when the person stands, and liver and autoimmune disorders.
What is the medical term for high blood pressure?
Medications for High Blood Pressure (Hypertension) High blood pressure is a term that is used to acknowledge that a person’s blood pressure is above what is considered normal. High blood pressure is also called hypertension. Measuring somebody's blood pressure gives us an indication of how effectively their heart is working to pump blood ...
Why is blood pressure high?
If their heart is having to work very hard to pump blood around their body, then their blood pressure will be high. Blood pressure is composed of two measurements. The first recording is called the systolic pressure and it measures the force the heart must pump against to get blood to flow around the body.
What is the second recording of blood pressure?
The second recording is called diastolic pressure. This measures the resting pressure when the heart relaxes between heartbeats. It is recorded while the blood pressure cuff is deflating.
Why does blood pressure cause a weak heart?
It also causes the heart to enlarge and weaken because it essentially wears itself out from having to work so hard to push blood around the body. People with high blood pressure are also more likely to develop high cholesterol, kidney and eye problems, and have poor circulation in the legs and feet.
What is the normal blood pressure?
It is recorded while the blood pressure cuff is deflating. Most experts consider a normal blood pressure to be 120/80 mm Hg. Ideally, everybody’s blood pressure should be below 130/80 mm Hg. If the first number is above 130 or the second number is above 80 then a person is said to have high blood pressure.
Can high blood pressure cause headaches?
Sometimes people may develop a headache or feel unwell; however, most do not connect these vague symptoms as having to do with their heart. If high blood pressure is left untreated, it can damage the blood vessels and increase a person’s risk of having a stroke or a heart attack.
Should blood pressure be taken before diagnosis?
For this reason, if a doctor or nurse takes your blood pressure and it is high but you don’t have any risk factors or symptoms, then at least two other separate measurements should be taken before you are diagnosed with high blood pressure.
Why do doctors take blood pressure readings?
Because blood pressure normally varies during the day and may increase during a doctor visit (white coat hypertension), your doctor will likely take several blood pressure readings at three or more separate appointments before diagnosing you with high blood pressure.
What does blood pressure measure?
A blood pressure reading, as shown in the blood pressure monitor in the image, measures the pressure in your arteries when your heart beats (systolic pressure) in the first number, and the pressure in your arteries between heartbeats (diastolic pressure) in the second number.
What is elevated blood pressure?
Elevated blood pressure is a systolic pressure ranging from 120 to 129 mm Hg and a diastolic pressure below (not above) 80 mm Hg. Elevated blood pressure tends to get worse over time unless steps are taken to control blood pressure. Elevated blood pressure may also be called prehypertension. Stage 1 hypertension.
How to stop high blood pressure?
Try the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet, which emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, poultry, fish and low-fat dairy foods. Get plenty of potassium, which can help prevent and control high blood pressure. Eat less saturated fat and trans fat. Decrease the salt in your diet.
What are Alpha blockers?
Alpha blockers include doxazosin (Cardura), prazosin (Minipress) and others. Alpha-beta blockers. Alpha-beta blockers block nerve signals to blood vessels and slow the heartbeat to reduce the amount of blood that must be pumped through the vessels.
What happens if your blood pressure is high?
If your blood pressure remains stubbornly high despite taking at least three different types of high blood pressure drugs, one of which usually should be a diuretic, you may have resistant hypertension.
What tests are done to confirm if you have high blood pressure?
Ambulatory monitoring. This 24-hour blood pressure monitoring test is used to confirm if you have high blood pressure.
What is the best medication for hypertension?
Diuretics. There are three classes of diuretic drugs that are used to treat hypertension. Most commonly used are thiazide diuretics such as hydrochlorothiazide or chlorthalidone. There is not usually an increased urine flow after the first one or two days of taking these medications. Nevertheless, it is best to take them in ...
What is beta blocker?
BETA BLOCKERS, ALPHA BLOCKERS AND SYMPATHOLYTIC DRUGS. This group of drugs was introduced next after diuretics, to be used for hypertension. They act on a part of the nervous system that controls blood pressure, known as the sympathetic nervous system. Blockade of the sympathetic nervous system reduces blood pressure by relaxing blood vessels, ...
What is edecrin used for?
Ethacrinic acid (Edecrin) is used in the rare patients who are allergic to diuretics. Loop diuretics are not as effective as thiazides in lowering blood pressure in patients with hypertension. They are used especially to treat edema (swelling of the ankles) or heart failure.
Why are diuretics important?
Diuretics increase the effectiveness of all other categories of antihypertensives. That is why they are an essential part of almost any multidrug regimen for hypertension. Special Points: Diuretics are the original antihypertensives. Therefore, their efficacy and adverse effects are very well understood.
Why are ACEIs used for hypertension?
ACEIs are widely used to treat hypertension because they are effective, have relatively few side effects and in reduce the complications of hypertension such as heart attacks and strokes. They have a special use in patients with diabetes mellitus who have protein the urine (“diabetic nephropathy”) and in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) in whom they appeared to have beneficial actions in slowing the loss of kidney function above that achieved by other agents.
How often do you give captopril?
There are some small differences in how long these drugs act in the circulation, they are relatively small and, with the exception of the very short acting captopril, any of these agents are usually affective when given once or sometimes twice daily as antihypertensive agents.
Can diuretics cause low blood pressure?
Over treatment with diuretics can lead to low blood pressure , orthostatic hypotension (weakness, dizziness and possibly fainting on standing) and a feeling of tiredness and lethargy, all of which can be prevented or reversed by holding the diuretic for a day or two and resuming, if necessary, at a lower dosage.
What is the name of the medication that lowers blood pressure?
Many blood pressure medications, known as antihypertensives, are available by prescription to lower high blood pressure (HBP or hypertension). There are a variety of classes of high blood pressure medications and they include a number of different drugs.
What is the role of central agonists in blood pressure?
Central agonists also help decrease the blood vessels' ability to tense up or contract. The central agonists follow a different nerve pathway than the alpha and beta-blockers, but accomplish the same goal of blood pressure reduction.
What causes blood vessels to dilate?
Blood vessel dilators, or vasodilators, can cause the muscle in the walls of the blood vessels (especially the arterioles) to relax, allowing the vessel to dilate (widen). This allows blood to flow through better.
What is a combined alpha and beta blocker?
Combined alpha and beta-blockers are used as an IV drip for those patients experiencing a hypertensive crisis. They may be prescribed for outpatient high blood pressure use if the patient is at risk for heart failure.
What is the effect of angiotensin on the blood vessels?
ARBs block the receptors so the angiotensin fails to constrict the blood vessel. This means blood vessels stay open and blood pressure is reduced .
What is the chemical that causes the arteries to become narrow, especially in the kidneys but also throughout the body?
Angiotensin is a chemical that causes the arteries to become narrow, especially in the kidneys but also throughout the body. ACE stands for Angiotensin -converting enzyme. ACE inhibitors help the body produce less angiotensin, which helps the blood vessels relax and open up, which, in turn, lowers blood pressure.
Does methyldopa lower blood pressure?
These drugs reduce blood pressure by decreasing the activity of the sympathetic (adrenaline-producing) portion of the involuntary nervous system. Methyldopa is considered a first line antihypertensive during pregnancy because adverse effects are infrequent for the pregnant woman or the developing fetus.