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Multiple Drugs for Treatment of Hypertension

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, can damage arteries and major organs. It is a risk factor for a wide range of diseases, including stroke and heart attack. For many people, a modification in lifestyle, such as eating a heart-healthy diet and exercising, is not sufficient to adequately control hypertension. According to the American Heart Association, high blood pressure should be treated with medication when systolic readings are above 140 mm Hg and diastolic readings are above 90 mm Hg.

  1. Types of Blood Pressure Medication

    • Blood pressure medication is prescribed by your health care provider. Major types include diuretics, ACE-inhibitors, beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, alpha blockers, and angiotensin II receptor blockers.

    How Blood Pressure Medication Works

    • The main types of blood pressure medication work by decreasing the amount of salt and fluid in your body (diuretics), by relaxing the blood vessels (ACE inhibitors), by blocking hormones that constrict blood vessels (angiotensin II receptor blockers), by slowing down the heart beat (beta-blockers), or by relaxing the muscles surrounding the heart vessels (calcium channel blockers).

    Choosing Blood Pressure Medication

    • Finding out which medication proves most effective usually involves some trial and error. In general, a low dosage is prescribed initially and monitored over some time to assess its effectiveness and possible side effects. If indicated, the dosage will be increased. Most patients require at least two types of medication to properly manage hypertension.

    Side Effects

    • Fatigue, dizziness, cough, cold hands and feet, frequent urination, irregular heart beat, stomach pain, and headache are among the most common side effects of antihypertensive drugs. Many bothersome side effects can be reduced if the type, dosage, or combination of the medication is adjusted.

    Managing Blood Pressure

    • Unless hypertension is caused by a temporary disorder, medication has to be taken life-long. Regular monitoring is important because changes in health, age, and weight can affect blood pressure. Good lifestyle choices may reduce the need for antihypertensive medication, minimize the risk of complications due to high blood pressure, and leave you healthier overall.

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