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High Blood Pressure Medications
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Blood Pressure Monitors
Patients suffering from chronic hypertension will probably be prescribed either high blood pressure medication or other measures to help lower their blood pressure. Regular use of blood pressure monitors helps track the effect medications have on the patient's blood pressure.
Types of Medication
Blood pressure medications come in many forms. You may be prescribed a diuretic to help manage sodium and fluid retention, and possibly medication to reduce your stress level. Many of these medications have known side effects; so consult with your doctor before starting any prescription. The following are commonly used high blood pressure medications.
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Diuretics: The human body often retains higher levels of salt and water than it needs. Sometimes called "water pills," diuretics flush water and salt out through the urine. Diuretics are often the first high blood pressure medications prescribed.
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Anxiety Medication: Stress is often linked to high blood pressure. If you suffer from overwhelming stress, anxiety medication may be prescribed. By calming your emotions, the medication may also help lower your blood pressure.
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Alpha Blockers: Alpha-blockers control nerve impulses, allowing blood vessels to relax. This allows blood to flow without encountering as much pressure.
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Beta Blockers: Beta blockers target receptors in the heart and blood vessels, making the heart pump at a slower rate and with less force.
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Angiostensin Converting Enzyme (ACE) Inhibitors: This type of high blood pressure medication prevents the formation of angiostensin II, the hormone that causes blood vessels to contract. ACE inhibitors cause the blood vessels to relax thereby lowering blood pressure.
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Angiostensin Agonists: Instead of preventing the formation of angiostensin II, these medications actually block the blood vessels from angiostensin II.
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Calcium Channel Blockers (CCBs): By controlling the flow of calcium into cells, these medications help the heart and blood vessels to relax.
- Vasodilators: Vasodilators relax the muscles around the blood vessels, reducing resistance to blood flow.
Side Effects of High Blood Pressure Medications
While you may experience side effects of your high blood pressure medication continue taking it regularly until you hear otherwise from your doctor. Possible side effects include sleepiness, trouble sleeping, lethargy, depression, rapid or slowed heartbeat, cold hands and/or feet, dry mouth, headache, asthma-like symptoms, constipation, fever. If you experience any negative side effects of your blood pressure medication, tell your doctor.
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Important Information for Women
Women of childbearing age who are taking ACE inhibitors for hypertension should ensure that they do not become pregnant.
The results of a recent study at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee, indicate that ACE inhibitors taken during the first trimester of pregnancy are associated with an increased risk of birth defects. Past studies have indicated that taking ACE inhibitors during the second and/or third trimester increase the risk of birth defects, but this is the first study to indicate an increased risk when ACE inhibitors are taken during the first trimester. Birth defects of the cardiovascular system and central nervous system increased significantly when exposure occurred during the first trimester.
Results of the study were reported in the June 8, 2006 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine. |
Resources
American Academy of Family Physicians. (updated 2004). High blood pressure: Things you can do to lower yours. AAFP handout.
American Heart Association. (2002). What is high blood pressure medicine? AHS information sheet.
Cooper, W.D., Hernandez-Diaz, S., Arbogast, P.G., Dudley, J.A., Dyer, S., Gideon, P.S., Hall, K., Ray, W.A. (2006, June 8). Major congenital malformations after first-trimester exposure to ACE inhibitors. New England Journal of Medicine, 354(23), 2443-2451.
