High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, occurs when the arteries narrow or when an increased amount of blood is pumped by your heart. When not adequately treated, hypertension can lead to heart disease. Mild cases of high blood pressure are typically treated with lifestyle changes. More severe cases may require medication.
Thiazide Diuretics
Thiazide diuretics, commonly referred to as water pills, work actively on your kidneys to eliminate sodium and water, thereby decreasing blood volume and blood pressure. Prolonged use of thiazide diuretics is cautioned to prevent damage to the kidneys. Although effective, diuretics are often not prescribed for hypertension patients, states the Mayo Clinic. Hypertension patients who are age 80 and older are usually prescribed a particular type of diuretics, given their specific health concerns.
Beta Blockers
Beta blockers are another class of medications used to treat high blood pressure. Beta blockers help to reduce pressure on the heart and blood vessels. Beta blockers may be prescribed with thiazide diuretics as a form of treatment.
Angiotensin Medications
Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and angiotensin II receptor blockers are both used to treat hypertension. ACE inhibitors block the formation of naturally occurring chemicals that can cause blood vessels to narrow. ACE inhibitors help the blood vessels to relax. ACE inhibitors are also prescribed for patients who suffer from coronary artery disease, heart failure or kidney failure. Mayo Clinic advises that ACE inhibitors alone are not as effective in African-American patients but seem to be effective when taken with thiazide diuretics. Angiotensin II receptor blockers work to block the action of naturally occurring chemicals that can cause blood vessels to narrow.
Calcium Channel Blockers
Calcium channel blockers (CCBs) are prescribed to help relax blood vessel muscles, slowing your heart rate and decreasing your blood pressure. CCBs are generally effective. However it should be noted that CCBs have a tendency to interact negatively with grapefruit.
Renin Inhibitors
Renin inhibitors are a medication that slows down the production of renin, an enzyme produced by the kidneys that can increase blood pressure. Aliskiren (Tektura) is a commonly prescribed renin inhibitor. According to Mayo Clinic, research is still being conducted to better understand the level of effectivness in using renin inhibitors to treat high blood pressure.
