Hypertension is also called high blood pressure and is defined as the force of blood against the arteries by the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute. If left untreated, hypertension can lead to several dire consequences such as a stroke, heart attack, heart failure or coronary artery disease. Taking hypertension medications as prescribed can prevent or delay complications related to hypertension. It is also important to be aware of the side effects of these medications so they can be taken care of or reported to a physician if they occur.
Diuretics Side Effects
Diuretics are also known as water pills and they help remove excess water and sodium from the body. They are often used in combination with other drugs to control or treat hypertension. Furosemide and hydrochlorothiazide are examples of diuretics that can be used to treat hypertension. A side effect of diuretics is low potassium levels in the body or hypokalemia. Low potassium levels in the body can lead to leg cramps, weakness and fatigue. This side effect can be addressed by taking potassium supplements if prescribed by a physician, according to the American Heart Association.
Beta Blockers Side Effects
Beta blockers are used to treat hypertension and reduce blood pressure by slowing heart rate, lowering the hearts workload and reducing the amount of blood supplied to the rest of the body from the heart. Examples of drugs in this class are atenolol, betaxolol, motoprolol and nadolol. The Mayo Clinic suggests that dizziness, weakness, cold hands and fatigue are side effects of beta blockers. Beta blockers may induce asthma attacks in asthmatic patients and may also mask signs of low blood sugar in diabetics. Due to this, diabetics should monitor their blood sugar closely if they are on this medication.
Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme (ACE) Inhibitors Side Effects
Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors reduce blood pressure by interfering with the formation of a chemical known as angiotensin. This chemical causes constriction of blood vessels and a subsequent increase in blood pressure. Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors make the body produce less angiotensin and this leads to relaxation of the blood vessels and a reduction in blood pressure. The most common side effect of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors is a dry cough. This medication can cause birth defects and should not be taken by women who are pregnant or want to become pregnant. Some angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors are lisinopril, captopril, enalapril and ramipril.
References
- National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute: Your Guide To Lowering Blood Pressure
- American Heart Association: Types of Blood Pressure Medications
- Mayo Clinic: High blood pressure (Hypertension)- Beta blockers
- Mayo Clinic: High blood pressure (Hypertension)- Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme (ACE) Inhibitors
- Mayo Clinic: High blood pressure (Hypertension)- Diuretics
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