Blood pressure is the force of blood against the artery walls. According to the Mayo Clinic, there is no identifiable cause in 90 to 95 percent of high blood pressure cases in adults. Other cases are caused by underlying conditions such as kidney or heart abnormalities, adrenal gland tumors or medications. Various medications are used when blood pressure cannot be controlled by lifestyle modifications like exercise and dietary changes.
Diuretics
Several types of diuretics are used to lower blood pressure. Many times, diuretics are prescribed before any other blood pressure medication. They cause the body to excrete excess fluid, thus reducing fluid volume. Less volume makes it easier for the heart to pump blood, lowering blood pressure. There are three types of diuretics: loop, thiazide and potassium-sparing. According to the Mayo Clinic, each diuretic works on a different part of the kidneys. Furosemide, a loop diuretic, not only rids the body of excess fluid, but also causes increased potassium excretion, so potassium levels need to be monitored if taking this medication. If adequate potassium cannot be obtained through diet, supplements are prescribed. Thiazide diuretics include hydrochlorothiazide and chlorothiazide. Potassium-sparing diuretics help the body to retain potassium while excreting fluid. Spironolactone is a common potassium-sparing diuretic.
Beta Blockers
Beta receptors in the body are triggered to release epinephrine and norepinephrine, two hormones that increase blood pressure. Beta blockers work by blocking these receptors, thus lowering blood pressure. These medications cause the heart to beat slower and with less force. They also help blood vessels open up to improve blood flow.
Beta blockers include metoprolol, atenolol and carvedilol. Most beta blockers end with the suffix "lol," making them easy to identify. Blood pressure should be monitored while taking beta blockers, as the medication can cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure.
ACE Inhibitors
Angiotensin converting enzyme, or ACE, inhibitors work by preventing the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II, a hormone that causes vasoconstriction, or narrowing of the blood vessels. ACE inhibitors promote vasodilation, or widening of the vessels. Examples of ACE inhibitors include lisinopril, benazepril and ramapril. According to the American Heart Association, people taking ACE inhibitors need to have their potassium levels monitored.
Calcium Channel Blockers
According to the Texas Heart Institute, calcium channel blockers slow the rate at which calcium passes into the heart muscle and into the vessel walls, relaxing the vessels. The relaxed vessels let blood flow more easily through them, thereby lowering blood pressure. Diltiazem and amlopidine are common calcium channel blockers. These medications can cause an extreme decrease in heart rate and blood pressure, and feelings of dizziness or faintness should be reported immediately.
