Hypertensive (high blood pressure) patients have different types of anti-hypertensive medication to choose from in order to control their blood pressure. Commonly prescribed high blood pressure medication includes Hydrochlorothiazide, Lisinopril, Metoprolol and Sular. Physicians may prescribe more than one type of anti-hypertensive medication depending on the severity of a patient's condition.
Hydrochlorothiazide
Diuretics, typically the first line of medication prescribed for high blood pressure, removes excess water and sodium from the body. Hydrochlorothiazide, a commonly prescribed diuretic, allows the kidneys to retrieve more sodium from circulation to excrete into urine. This mechanism allows for a decreased amount of fluid traveling through the blood vessels, overall reducing the amount of pressure within the arteries, according to the American Heart Association.
Leonard Lilly, M.D., states Hydrochlorothiazide is a good option for hypertensive patients due to its low cost, effectiveness and proven benefits in reducing the risk of cardiac events and stroke. Hydrochlorothiazide, although typically well tolerated, may cause light-headedness, dizziness, blurred vision, itching, upset stomach, headache and weakness. Allergic reaction symptoms to medication include rash, swelling, severe dizziness or trouble breathing.
Lisinopril
Lisinopril, an ACE inhibitors, allows the blood vessels of the heart to relax by blocking the enzyme that converts angiotensin I to angiotensin II, according to the Mayo Clinic. Angiotensin II causes blood vessels to constrict, impeding the amount of blood that can flow through the vessels. Angiotensin II causes high blood pressure due to the extra amount of work the heart has to do.
Lisinopril, although typically well-tolerated, may cause side effects such as persistent dry cough, elevated potassium levels, low blood pressure, dizziness, headache, drowsiness, weakness and rash.
Metoprolol
Metoprolol, a commonly prescribed beta blocker, lowers heart rate in patients suffering from high blood pressure. Metoprolol's influence on the heart rate, allows for a decrease in the amount of resistance the heart has to overcome to pump blood into circulation, overall reducing one's blood pressure, according to the American Heart Association.
Individuals with any lung condition (asthma, emphysema or bronchitis) should not take Metoprolol because it may enhance their asthma symptoms. Other side effects of Metoprolol include confusion, nightmares, decreased good cholesterol levels and increased blood sugar levels.
Sular
Sular, classified as a calcium channel blocker, expands the diameter of arteries by preventing calcium from going into the heart, allowing the heart muscle cells to relax, according to the Mayo Clinic. When muscle heart cells relax, the pressure within the heart reduces allowing to blood move through the arteries easier. This process allows the heart to not work as hard and lowers blood pressure.
Common side effects found with the usage of Sular include constipation, nausea, headache, rash, edema, low blood pressure, drowsiness and dizziness.
References
- Mayo Clinic: Choosing blood pressure medication
- American Heart Association: Types of blood pressure medications
- "Pathophysiology of heart disease. 4th edition;" Lily; 2007
