What Is the Best Drug for High Blood Presure?

According to the American Heart Association one out of every three adults has high blood pressure. Of that, one out three don't even know they have it. Untreated high blood pressure can have some severe consequences. Stroke and heart attack and heart and kidney failure are some of the more serious effects of the condition. High blood pressure can be treated with medication, the key is, finding out which medication is best.

Stage One Medications

• Stage one hypertension is defined by the Mayo Clinic as anyone with a systolic pressure of 140 to 159 and a diastolic pressure in the 90 to 99 range. Often times, your doctor will prescribe a thiazide diuretic which has the lowest incidence of side effects among the various types of diuretics. Diuretic medications are basically water pills used to flush out excess water and sodium. Diuretics should do the job on stage one hypertension. If not, other medications may be prescribed to help with the process.

Complementary Medications

• If a diuretic, like thiazide doesn't work, there are other options available and which one you take is up to you and your doctor. Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin II receptor blockers help to block and inhibit the production of angiotensin which constricts blood vessels. Beta blockers reduce the signals between the nerves, heart and blood vessels, thus allowing the vessel to relax. Calcium channel blockers can also be effective by blocking calcium from moving through the heart and blood vessel muscle cells.

Stage Two Medications

• The Mayo Clinic defines stage two hypertension as having a systolic pressure higher than 160 and a diastolic pressure greater than 100. For cases of stage two hypertension, the same medications are prescribed but you may need more than just one. A diuretic is a virtual surety but angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor blockers, beta blockers, and calcium channel blockers may be prescribed as well, and possibly more than one.