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High Blood Pressure Medications
In addition to following a healthy lifestyle, for many patients, medication maybe necessary in managing high blood pressure. In fact, many patients need two or more medicines to get the blood pressure control they need.
Your doctor may recommend medication to treat your high blood pressure. The medication your doctor
prescribes will depend on your individual condition and goals. If you do not reach goal on one treatment, your doctor may increase your dose, or give you another type of medication to either switch to or add on to your current treatment.
There are different kinds of High blood pressure medications and they can be grouped according to how they work. Here's some general information on the types of medications used to treat high blood pressure. The major classes include:
Diuretics
Diuretics, also known as "water pills," help get rid of water and salt to reduce your blood volume.
ACE Inhibitors
Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors prevent the formation of "angiotensin II," a natural substance your body makes that narrows blood vessels. Preventing the formation of angiotensin II helps to relax the blood vessels. ACE inhibitors alone may not work as well in African-Americans, but are effective when combined with a thiazide diuretic. Also, ACE inhibitors should not be taken by pregnant women.
ARBs
Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) block angiotensin II from working. So the blood vessels relax to lower blood pressure. With ARBs, blood pressure response in African Americans is noticeably less than in Caucasians. ARBs should not be taken by pregnant women.
Calcium channel blockers
Calcium channel blockers prevent calcium from entering the muscle cells of the heart and blood vessels. This helps relax the muscles of your blood vessels.
Beta Blockers
Beta blockers slow down your heart to make it beat with less force. When prescribed alone, beta blockers may not work as well for African-Americans but they're effective when combined with a diuretic.
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