Blood Pressure Medications With the Least Side-Effects

According to the American Heart Association, high blood pressure affects nearly one third of the adult population in the United States. Frequently referred to as the "silent killer," high blood pressure can take years to develop and often have no symptoms. Although lifestyle changes that begin with diet and exercise should always be the first approach, prescription drugs may be required to lower blood pressure to more desirable levels. Selecting the most effective drug with the least side effects will be the key to maintaining a healthy life style.

Diuretics

• The most commonly prescribed drugs for the initial treatment of high blood pressure are diuretics, often called water pills. Diuretics act by removing excess water and sodium from your body. Frequent urination that often depletes the body of potassium and minerals is the most common side effect. Potassium and mineral supplements are usually recommended. Thiazide diuretics are reported to have the least side effects.

ACE Inhibitors

• Angiotension-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors stop the production of a hormone that constricts blood vessels. The most common side effects are cough, loss of taste and skin rash. The most commonly prescribed ACE inhibitors include: lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril), enalapril (Vasotec) and capoten (Capoten).

Angiotension II Receptor Blockers

• This group of drugs helps dilate blood vessels by blocking the hormone, angiotension. Dizziness is the most frequently reported side effect. Popular angiotension II receptor blockers include: olmesarten (Benicar), losarten (Cozaar) and valsartan (Diovan).

Beta Blockers

• These drugs inhibit nerve signals to the heart and blood vessels. The most common side effects are insomnia, fatigue and cold extremities. Frequently prescribed beta blockers include acebutolol (Sectral), metoprolol (lopressor, Toprol XL) and penbutolol (Levatol).

Calcium Channel Blockers

• This group of drugs works by blocking the absorption of calcium into blood vessel muscle cells. As the muscle cells relax, blood pressure lowers. Common side effects are constipation, dizziness, headache and swollen ankles. Popular calcium channel blockers include diltiazem (Cardizem), nifedipine (Procardia) and verapamil (Calan).

Conclusion

• The wide variety of drugs available to reduce high blood pressure ensures that your doctor will have numerous options to minimize potential side effects. The primary goal will be to manage your blood pressure with the least number of drugs as possible, although a combination of drugs is frequently indicated. Often this may become a process of trial and error requiring you to try several different drugs to see which offers the greatest benefit with the least developed side effects. For more information on high blood pressure and related treatment options, visit the American Heart Association website at: www.americanheartassociation.org.