Medication for High Blood Pressure

According to the Mayo Clinic, blood pressure medication treats the causes of high blood pressure and may postpone advancement of heart disease and stroke. People taking blood pressure medications should have regular medical checkups by a doctor to confirm effectiveness and watch for any side effects.

Function

• The function of blood pressure medication is to control high blood pressure and bring it to a healthier level. Blood pressure medications work on different causes of high blood pressure.

Diuretics

• Diuretics get rid of extra salt in the blood by affecting kidney function, and are usually the first type of blood pressure medication prescribed.

ACE Inhibitors

• Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors widen blood vessels to lower high blood pressure.

Beta Blockers

• Beta blockers decrease the amount of work the heart has to do by lowering the heart rate.

Calcium Channel Blockers

• Calcium channel blockers relax muscle cells in the heart and decrease the force of the heart beat to lower blood pressure.

Types

• Vasodilators widen the openings of heart vessels to allow more blood to pass through, which lowers blood pressure.

Warning

• According to the Mayo Clinic, diabetics may have sudden changes in blood sugar from taking blood pressure medications. Due to the risk of heart attack or stroke, diabetics should not stop taking blood pressure medication without a doctor's approval.