Hypertension or high blood pressure is a dangerous disease that has wiped out millions of people all over the globe. If this condition is not treated it may result in other health complications like, heart complications, stroke and kidney issues. Thankfully, antihypertensive drugs are available over the counter and their aim is to effectively manage and prevent hypertension. Here, in this long but fulfilling blog post, the reader is going to find out the various types of medications that treat hypertension, what they are useful for plus their side effects.
Understanding Blood Pressure Medications
Blood pressure medication is also called antihypertensive drugs. These drugs help to reduce the force of blood pulsating against the walls of your arteries. This assists lower the burdens on your heart and blood vessels; therefore decreasing the total stored pressure in your body. These medications are available in different classes. They work through different ways and they have different aims which involve different parts of the cardiovascular system.
Major Classes of Blood Pressure Medications
Diuretics
The use of diuretics Otherwise called “water pills,” are usually the first treatment approach to High Blood Pressure. They function by assisting the kidneys to discharge large quantities of salt and water from the body. This effect the total volume of blood, which decreases blood pressure. Examples of diuretics are hydrochlorothiazide, furosemide and spironolactone. Possible follow-up effects might be low potassium in the blood, increased frequency of urination.
Beta-Blockers
Beta-blockers act by reducing the supply of oxygen and blood to the heart. It also slows down the beat of the heart and the force in which the heart‘s chambers contract. Subsequently, it reduces blood pressure.
Healthcare providers commonly use beta-blockers such as metoprolol, atenolol, and carvedilol among others. Possible Sixglo side effects are tiredness, cold hands and feet, and low blood pressure accompanied by a slow pulse.
ACE Inhibitors
ACE inhibitors act in the prevention of the formation of II as this hormone acts to narrow blood vessels. This leads to a decrease in pressure acting on the walls of blood vessels and consequently causes the blood vessels to dilate. Some of the familiar representatives of ACE inhibitors are lisinopril, enalapril, and captopril. Side effects might be present, and include a persistent cough and, in rare instances, kidney problems.
Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers (ARBs)
ARBs are the same as the ACE inhibitors but instead of inhibiting the formation of Ang II, the substance inhibits the action Ang II. This will also cause dilation of blood vessels hence lowering of blood pressure. Other ARBs include losartan, valsartan, and candesartan among others in the market. The drug may cause possible adverse effects such as dizziness, headaches, or fatigue.
Calcium Channel Blockers
Calcium channel blockers work by reducing the tension in the blood vessels and causing the blood vessels to expand; this enhances the flow of blood. Examples of calcium channel blockers are amlodipine and nifedipine, and diltiazem. You may observe side effects such as headaches, swelling particularly in the limbs, and constipation.
Other Blood Pressure Medications
There are other categories of the antihypertensive drugs that are not under the above major classes namely alpha-blockers, alpha-2-receptor agonists and vasodilators. These medications act differently and their goal is to regulate blood pressure and they can be used singly or with other medications or at the last resort for patients who do not respond well to the main classes of drugs.
Choosing the Right Blood Pressure Medication
When choosing the appropriate blood pressure medication for a certain patient the main factors which must be taken into consideration are the patient’s age, ethnicity, presence of other diseases, and the severity of hypertension. For instance, ACE inhibitors or ARBs tend to be prescribed to young people or patients with diabetes, calcium channel blockers— to the elderly or people of African/Caribbean origin.
Often it might be necessary to prescribe more than one antihypertensive agent to meet the therapeutic goal for the patient’s blood pressure. Since each situation is unique, your healthcare provider will discuss with you the most suitable procedures for your case and general appearance.
Benefits of Blood Pressure Medications
The primary aim of using blood pressure medications is to lessen the possibility of attaining severe health consequences, related to high blood pressure. Thus, these drugs reduce blood pressure and, thereby, they prevent or mitigate development of cardiovascular diseases, including heart attack, stroke, heart failure, or kidney diseases.
Some of China’s blood pressure drugs have also been found to contain other advantages apart from the cardiovascular ones. For example, some categories of ACE inhibitors and ARBs may reduce the risk of kidney disease in Diabetics, Beta-blockers used for the management of anxiety and migraine.
Potential Side Effects of Blood Pressure Medications
However, like any other medications, blood pressure medications have known side effects. The specifics of side effects will vary by the class of the medication and the efficacy for the patient in question. Common side effects may include:
- Diuretics: The side effects of the drug include; Electrolyte imbalances, increase in urination and dizziness
- Beta-blockers: Fatigue and cold limbs and slow pulse rate.
- ACE inhibitors: Cough that does not go away, hives, reduced kidney function
- ARBs: Dizziness, headaches, fatigue
- Calcium channel blockers: Painful, enlarged, hard mass
However, one must understand that not all individuals would develop side effects, if they do, the severity would differ. In case you are to develop any side effects, you have to report it to your doctor because he or she may reduce your dosage, or switch you to an alternative medication.
Conclusion
Antihypertensive drugs are useful in controlling high blood pressure and in actually preventing the development of other health complications. Knowing the various categories of these drugs, and how they work, any advantages and possible complications, you can opt to discuss with your physician the most suitable mode of treatment. I am urging you to strictly follow your medication plan and be faithful to your bloodstream pressure checkups. This will in order to keep your cardiovascular system in the best condition possible.
