Medications for Reducing High Blood Pressure
In most sufferers of “hypertension” or “high blood pressure” the first course of treatment involves lifestyle changes. A healthier diet and exercise, weight loss, reducing alcohol consumption and stopping smoking are all part of a regimen to prevent or control blood pressure problems. However if lifestyle changes prove to be ineffective or there are other serious health conditions then medication may be needed as well.
A course of medication may involve just one type or medicine or several. Your doctor will decide on the best treatment plan for you and over time will monitor the dosages to keep you on track towards your target blood pressure. The following are some of the main types of medication used for blood pressure control.
Alpha-Blockers: This medication alters the nerve impulses to your blood vessels allowing an easier flow of blood which results in a reduction in blood pressure
Beta-Blockers: Reduce nerve impulses to your heart and blood vessels. They reduce your heart rate as well decreasing your blood pressure.
Alpha-Beta-Blockers: Work as a combination of alpha and beta blockers. They control nerve impulses to your blood vessels and heart resulting in a relaxing of the blood vessels and a reduced heart rate.
Nervous System Inhibitors: Work in a different manner to alpha blockers but also control nerve impulses to relax and widen the arteries.
Diuretics: Are also known as ‘water pills,’are used in the treatment of many diseases. In the case of high blood pressure they are used to help the kidneys flush out excess sodium from the body. Excess sodium is a factor in around 33% of hypertension patients.
Vasodilators: Work to open your blood vessels directly by relaxing the muscles in your artery walls
which then causes your blood pressure to decrease.
ACE Inhibitors: ACE is an abreviation for ‘Angiotensin Converting Enzyme.’ These inhibitors prevent the production of a hormone called angiotensin II which causes your blood vessels to narrow. Decreased levels of angiotensin II allows your blood vessels to more easily relax.
Angiotensin Antagonists: Work by preventing your arteries from responding to angiotensin. As a result the blood vessels become more relaxed.
Calcium Channel Blockers: Prevent calcium from entering your heart muscle and blood vessels which can be a contributor in some cases of high blood pressure.
