Hypertension, or high blood pressure, when left untreated can result in severe health problems. According to the latest data available from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), hypertension killed 23,855 Americans in 2006. Hypertension affected 32 percent of U.S. adults between 2003 and 2006, and forty million people seeking medical care in 2006 had hypertension as the primary diagnosis. Drug treatment proves essential to avoid complications caused by hypertension.
Diuretics
Diuretics have been used for treatment of high blood pressure for fifty years and remain a front line treatment today. The mode of action is to help the body flush away water and salt. This is done by increased urination, which inhibits absorption of sodium in the kidneys. Diuretics are mostly used with other medicines. Common diuretic drugs prescribed are hydrochorothiazide, chlorthalidone, acetazolamide,
furosemide, spirnolactone and indapamide.
ACE Inhibitors
Angiotension converting enzyme inhibitors or ACE inhibitors, block hormones that constrict blood vessels. This results in dilatation of blood vessels and lowers blood pressure. Some undesirable side effects such as kidney impairment may occur but tend to disappear when the drug is discontinued. Available medicines include arebenazepril, captopril, enalapril, lisinopril, benazepril, fosinopril and quinapril.
Beta Blockers
As the name implies, these agents block beta-receptors in heart tissues. This slows the heart rate and decreases the force of contractions of the heart resulting in lower blood pressure. Thirteen different drugs are available, such as atenolol, labetolol, propranolol, bisoprolol, carvedilol and metoprolol.
Calcium Channel Blockers
Calcium channel blockers inhibit calcium flow through channels in the smooth muscles of blood vessels and heart tissue. This results in dilation of coronary arteries and blood vessels throughout the body, which lowers overall blood pressure. Available drugs include diltiazem, verapamil, nifedipine, amlodipine, felodipine and idradipine.
ARB Blockers
Angiotensin receptor blockers, or ARB blockers, prevent the binding of angiotensin receptors and blocks constriction of blood vessels that cause high blood pressure. ARBs inhibit fluid volume increases and lowers blood pressure. As of 2010, this is a newer medication, but six medicines already available include candesartan, telmisartan, candesartan, irbesartin and losartin.
Valsartan
Alpha Blockers
Alpha blockers block certain alpha-1 receptors, resulting in vasodilatation, or a widening of the body's blood vessels. These drugs lower resistance to blood flow, which decreases blood pressure. This medication is usually used with another blood pressure medicine. Five drugs include prazosin, tamulosin and doxazosin.
