Blood pressure is the force that is exerted on the walls of the arteries by blood as it travels through the arteries. When the force in pressure rises, it is called high blood pressure, or hypertension. As the arteries are subjected to high blood pressures, they can tear or rupture; therefore, it is important to treat hypertension. The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute says that hypertension can be treated with lifestyle changes as well as medication. Hypertension medications can carry a risk of side effects.
Types of Hypertension
MayoClinic.com states that there are two types of hypertension: essential and secondary hypertension. Essential hypertension develops over many years and occurs in 90 to 95 percent of adults with hypertension. It is a type of hypertension with no clear cause. Secondary hypertension on the other hand occurs in the remaining 5 to 10 percent of adults with hypertension and has an identifiable cause. It occurs suddenly and can be caused by kidney problems, congenital heart defects or some medications.
Types of Hypertension Medications
Hypertension is treated with different types of drugs and the goal of treatment is to reduce blood pressure. In secondary hypertension, treatment of the underlying cause may reduce blood pressure but hypertension medication may need to be taken as well. Classes of hypertension drugs are beta blockers, angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers, diuretics and calcium channel blockers.
They all work to reduce high blood pressure by targeting specific mechanisms. Excess fluid, for example, is removed from the body with diuretics. Workload of the heart is reduced with beta blockers. Arteries are relaxed with angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers. Calcium channel blockers also relax arteries while additionally easing the beating force of the heart.
Side Effects
Dizziness is a side effect of beta blockers, angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers and calcium channel blockers. This may be due to hypotension--low blood pressure--brought on by these drugs. Diuretics may deplete the body's reservoir of potassium needed for various functions including proper functioning of the heart and muscular contractions. Low levels of potassium in the body results in symptoms such as leg cramps, fatigue and weakness. Calcium channel blockers can cause constipation while ace inhibitors can cause a chronic, hacking cough. Beta blockers may lead to signs of asthma such as shortness of breath.
Coping With the Side Effects
Potassium depletion caused by taking diuretic drugs can be remedied by eating foods high in potassium or by taking potassium supplements if recommended by a physician, as suggested by the American Heart Association. Changing positions slowly may prevent dizziness. Side effects that interfere with a person's life or that become too bothersome should be reported to a physician immediately.
Considerations
The consequences of untreated hypertension include a heart attack, heart failure, peripheral artery disease and strokes. It is important to take all hypertension medications as prescribed to avoid these consequences. Hypertension is a lifelong condition and may require lifelong treatment. Medications for this disease should be taken even when a patient feels better. Additionally, doctors should be informed about all over-the-counter drugs before they are taken as they could interact with hypertension drugs.
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