Types of Hypertension Medicine

Hypertension is a serious condition with long-term health consequences if it remains untreated. It is often referred to as the "silent killer" as many people go undiagnosed until damage to the heart, blood vessels or eyes is done. If caught early, hypertension can be treated through lifestyle changes and medications. Medications are used to lower the pressure of blood on the artery walls and the heart muscle to prevent damage to these important structures.

Hypertension Defined

• Hypertension, or high blood pressure, occurs when the force of the blood acting on the artery walls reaches a critical level. Blood pressure is measured by two measurements. The systolic pressure is the force of the blood on artery walls when the heart beats. The diastolic pressure is the force of the blood on the artery walls between heartbeats. The blood pressure reading is given as the systolic and diastolic readings. A consistent reading of 140/90 or above will be diagnosed as hypertension.

Types of Diuretics

• Diuretics are one of the most commonly prescribed drugs for treating hypertension. There are four general types of diuretics: loop diuretics, potassium-sparing diuretics, thiazides and thiazide-like diuretics. Which type is used depends upon many patient factors, but they all work in similar fashion. Diuretics cause the blood vessels to dilate, which decreases the blood force on the vessels. They also help the kidneys to rid the body of excess salt and water, which in turn reduces blood volume.

Types of Adrenergic Blockers

• Adrenergic blockers work by blocking the action of certain chemicals released by the nervous system. These chemicals typically act to increase blood pressure in response to stress. Types of adrenergic blockers include alpha blockers, beta blockers, alpha beta blockers and peripherally acting adrenergic blockers. The most commonly prescribed adrenergic blocker is the beta blocker.

ACE inhibitors

• Angiotensin coverting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor is another common hypertension medicine. This type of medicine works by blocking the action of an enzyme that causes the arterioles to constrict. This drug is used in young people with hypertension and in people with other heart conditions or with kidney problems.

Calcium Channel Blockers

• Calcium channel blockers block the entry of calcium into the heart and the walls of blood vessels. This causes the arteries to relax and dilate, which decreases blood pressure. Some calcium channel blockers are also useful to control heart arrthymia, to lower the heart rate and to decrease angina pain. Two types of calcium channel blockers are dihydropyridines and non-dihydropyridines.