A Guide to Medications Used in the Treatment of Hypertension

By Sean Davids

High blood pressure is a prevalent condition in the United States, and it's also a dangerous one. High blood pressure is a risk factor for issues like stroke, heart attack and cardiovascular disease. As soon as a patient is diagnosed with high blood pressure, a physician's number one goal is to reduce the blood pressure to the safe range so more stress on the cardiovascular system does not transpire.

In some cases, the patient is placed on a special diet and exercise program for hypertension control. Yet most people also have need of pharmaceuticals to keep their blood pressure under control. Here is a look at some of the most typically dispensed high blood pressure drugs utilized for this purpose.

Diuretics: One of the most typical hypertension medicines first recommended is often a water pill or diuretic. These drugs come in commercial names like Zaroxolyn and Esidrix and work by getting rid of excess water and sodium from the circulatory system. The excess is eliminated from your body via urination, which is why people on this medicine frequently need to urinate more often. By getting rid of the surplus from the circulatory system, the heart can push it throughout the body more competently without unnecessary impact on this significant organ.

ACE Inhibitors and Beta Blockers: These hypertension medicines might be prescribed if diuretics do not work or they may be used in conjunction with a diuretic for better results. In many instances, these medicines might also be the first line of protection against hypertension. These medicines work by enhancing circulation via the blood vessels, thereby reducing strain on the heart.

Other Alternatives: If these hypertension medications don't work, there are other alternatives offered. Angiotensin II receptor blockers, calcium channel blockers and other medication can be used when the more customary hypertension medicines do not work well on their own or trigger undesirable adverse reactions. It is extremely important that a patient and physician act together when going through the long list of hypertension medications to discover the ones that work most effectively in each particular situation. In some cases, a patient will be fortunate enough to discover the perfect treatment the first time. In other circumstances, it might take innumerable attempts to find the most satisfactory therapy.

Hypertension is a serious illness that can have potentially life-threatening consequences if left untreated. Fortunately, there are many options in high blood pressure medicine to get the condition in check and diminish the risk of more critical problems. - 30310

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