Hypertension Dictionary

ACE inhibitors: A group of medications that treat hypertension, or high blood pressure, by controlling the behavior of angiotensin-converting enzymes (ACE).

adrenaline:A naturally occurring hormone, also known as epinephrine, that is released by the adrenal glands when dangerous or extreme situations occur.

alpha blockers: Also called alpha-adrenergic blocking agents, alpha blockers are a family of drugs that treat both high blood pressure and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), or enlarged prostate. Alpha blockers may be combined with other hypertension medications.

arterioles: These are the smallest arteries and are the furthest away from the heart. They are important pressure regulators that can adjust and control blood flow as needed through the body's chemical and electrical messaging systems.

arteriosclerosis: Often referred to as "hardening of the arteries," this condition reduces the flexibility of arteries, which, in turn, affects how blood flows throughout the body.

Ayurveda: Termed by some as a holistic or alternative medicine, this ancient Indian practice involves whole-body therapies to treat illness and disease.

beta blocker: A drug that is effective in treating high blood pressure, arrhythmias and heart attacks, as well as glaucoma and migraines, by slowing the heart's rate.

blood pressure: The systolic (heart contracting) and diastolic (heart resting) force that is applied within the arteries based on conditions such as emotion and exercise.

cardiovascular: Also referred to as the circulatory system, covering cardio (heart) and vascular (blood vessels).

cholesterol: A natural element in the body that is essential for normal functioning. Too much cholesterol, however, can cause plaque buildup and blockage in arteries.

contraception: Methods (pills, condoms, etc.) of preventing pregnancy.

cortisol:A stress-induced hormone as well as a pharmaceutical compound (hydrocortisone) that is used to treat disease and illnesses, including arthritis and allergies.

DASH diet: A synonym for Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH), which is a recommended meal plan for lowering high blood pressure and cholesterol.

diabetes: A disease referring to an overly high imbalance of blood glucose, or sugar, levels in the body due to improper maintenance by the insulin hormone.

diastolic: This is the pressure rate when a heart is in the rest mode and is typically the lower number in a blood pressure reading.

diuretic: Any means in which the kidneys increase production of urine.