What you should know about hypertension medications

Using hypertension medications to control blood pressure has significant health benefits. It is known that reducing blood pressure by 5-6 mmHg can cut down the risk of developing many diseases. For instance, when blood pressure is brought down by that amount, it slashes the risk of coronary heart disease by approximately 15% or even more. Similarly, the risk of developing strokes goes down by about 40%.

Many different types of hypertension medications are used today. They work through varying mechanisms and are useful in different situations. Alpha blockers, beta blockers, diuretics, calcium channel blockers and angiotensis II receptor antagonists are some of the types of hypertension medications used today. A combination of drugs containing more than one type of medication is also used in some cases.

Alpha blockers reduce high blood pressure by blocking certain specialized receptors in the arteries. This has the effect of allowing blood to flow more freely through the veins and arteries, which brings down the pressure exerted on arterial walls. Examples of alpha blockers include lisinopril, captopril, ramipril, fosinopril, etc. This class of drugs is typically used in cases where the patient has a condition called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) because alpha blockers are useful for treating BPH as well.

Calcium channel blockers act to lower the contractive force of the heart muscles. Blood pressure is determined in part by the force exerted by the heart muscles. So when this force drops, blood pressure drops as well. This type of medication is often not used in patients who suffer from cardiac arrhythmias such as tachycardia. Examples of calcium channel blockers include verapamil and almodipine.

Many kinds of diuretics are used as hypertension medications. Diuretics enhance the rate at which the body excretes fluid through urination. Many patients with enlarged hearts - a condition called cardiomyopathy - are prescribed diuretics to control blood pressure. Some diuretics like frusemide cause the body to lose potassium at an enhanced rate. Patients taking this drug are often asked to take potassium supplements to compensate for the loss. Diuretics used as antihypertensive drugs include hydrochlorothiazide, chlortalidone and bendroflumethiazide.

Diuretics are often prescribed for treating high blood pressure in elderly people. Some researchers hold the view that diuretics are probably among the most beneficial hypertension medications for the elderly. In earlier years, elevated blood pressure as thought to be a normal part of ageing and seniors were not given treatment for controlling it. Subsequently, it was discovered that elderly people also benefit from using antihypertensive drugs. As is the case with younger people, the elderly too benefit through lowered risks of strokes, cardiac problems, etc when hypertension is controlled.

Alpha-beta blockers are another class of drugs sometimes used to treat patients with high blood pressure. They have a blocking action on some parts of the heart, which results in blood being pumped out of the heart at a lower rate. This reduces blood pressure.

Other hypertension medications include vasodilators, angiotensin antagonists and some types of nervous system inhibitors.

Broad spectrum antibiotics are often included in treating high blood pressure. In cases where the patient has infections of one kind or another, the doctor will exercise extra caution in prescribing medication. This is to avoid causing damage to various organs as a result of drug intake.

Despite the efficacy of hypertension medications in bringing blood pressure down to safe limits, it is important to remember that lifestyle changes are a key part of tackling this health condition. Sensible eating habits, eliminating smoking / alcohol and regular exercise are essential to treating hypertension and ensuring a good quality of life.

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