Dangers of High Blood Pressure Medication

According to the American Heart Association, one in three Americans have high blood pressure, a serious condition that can cause strokes, heart failure, kidney failure and heart attacks. It is important that those who have elevated blood pressure treat the problem, but the many medications on the market used to treat high blood pressure have a number of side effects that can range from mildly troubling to dangerous.

Diuretics

• Diuretics, often called "water pills," reduce blood pressure by removing excess water and salt through the urine. However, they can also deplete potassium from the body, creating an imbalance that can cause symptoms of weakness, dizziness, fainting, muscle cramps and abnormal heart rhythms. Some "potassium sparing" diuretics create less of an imbalance in potassium levels, but can cause breast enlargement or irregular menstrual cycles.

Beta Blockers

• Beta blockers are often used to reduce high blood pressure, in addition to being used for heart arrhythmias, chest pain, migraines and thyroid disorders. They can cause weakness, dizziness, shortness of breath and depression. Those concerned with blood sugar levels may have difficulty recognizing signs of low blood sugar. Beta blockers can also trigger attacks in those with asthma. They can also affect cholesterol and triglyceride levels.

ACE Inhibitors

• Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) is a chemical in the body that causes the muscles surrounding blood vessels to contract. ACE inhibitors counteract this chemical and can cause dizziness, potassium level problems, cough, low blood pressure and swelling of the lips and throat. It is important to notify your doctor if you have any of these side effects.

Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers And Calcium Channel Blockers

• Angiotensin II receptor blockers are similar to ACE inhibitors but are used for those patients who cannot tolerate ACE inhibitors. Headache, dizziness, drowsiness and low blood pressure are some of the side effects of this type of medication for high blood pressure. Calcium channel blockers dilate the arteries, making it easier for oxygen to carry blood to the heart. It is not as effective as some high blood pressure medications in preventing kidney failure. Nausea, headache, drowsiness and low blood pressure are some of the side effects.

Vasodilators

• Vasodilators relax blood vessels so blood can flow more easily through the body. They can cause headache, rapid heartbeat, numbness in the extremities, joint pain, swelling of the ankles, and unusual bleeding or bruising.

Sympathetic Nerve Inhibitors

• Sympathetic nerve inhibitors reduce blood pressure by blocking the nerves that constrict blood vessels, allowing blood to flow more freely. Side effects include dizziness, fatigue, fainting, heart arrhythmias, headache, anxiety and sleeplessness.