The best medications for hypertension may include not one drug, but a combination of one or more in order to keep hypertension under control. Hypertension is the term physicians use to describe abnormally high blood pressure. Detecting and treating hypertension early can reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke and other circulatory diseases. A resting blood pressure with a systolic reading of greater than 140 mm Hg, and/or a diastolic reading greater than 90 mm Hg falls within the definition of hypertension. The diastolic value alone determines the severity of high blood pressure.
Beta Blockers
If an individual suffers from angina, hypertension or a heart rhythm disorder, a physician may prescribe beta blockers, which are drugs that decrease the heart’s oxygen requirements, reduce blood pressure and control certain kinds of rapid heartbeat. If a person has already had a heart attack, a physician may prescribe a course of beta blockers to help prevent more damage to the heart muscle. As with most medications, beta blockers also have side effects such as cold hands and feet, lethargy, faintness, temporary impotence as well as masking the warning signs of low blood sugar in diabetics. The most common beta blockers include metoprolol, brand names Lopressor and Toprol XL; bisoprolol, brand name Zebeta; and propranolol, brand name Inderal.
Diuretics
Diuretics interfere with the action of the kidneys by reducing the amount of water reabsorbed into the blood stream, resulting in more fluid being drawn from the tissues and excreted as urine. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, diuretics fall into three categories: thiazide, loop or potassium sparing. Each works on a different part of the tubules in the kidneys. All diuretics lower the blood volume and, therefore, lower blood pressure while easing the heart’s workload. According to the FDA, side effects include increased urination, dizziness, leg cramps or temporary impotence and nausea. The most common diuretics include torsemide, brand name Demadex;
chlorothiazide, brand name Diuril; furosemide, brand name Lasix; and
Spironolactone, brand names Aldactazide and Aldactone.
ACE Inhibitors
ACE (angiotensin-converting enzyme) inhibitors prevent the action of a specific enzyme called angiotensin I, which causes a constriction of blood vessel walls. ACE inhibitors dilate the blood vessels, which reduces blood pressure by eases the flow of blood. According to the Mayo Clinic, if an individual has experienced adverse reactions to other antihypertensive medications, a physician may prescribe ACE inhibitors, and occasionally combine these drugs with diuretics to treat stroke and heart failure. According to the FDA, side effects include dizziness or faintness, especially when standing up quickly. Some individuals complain of a cough, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea, and possibly a rash. The most common ACE inhibitors include captopril, brand name Capoten; lisinopril, brand names Prinivil and Zestril; and ramipril, brand name Altace.
Calcium Channel Blockers
Calcium channel blockers impede the flow of calcium into the muscles surrounding blood vessels, causing them to dilate, reducing the workload on the heart. Calcium channel blockers are useful for treating several kinds of heart and circulation disorders. They help prevent attacks of angina and regulate the heartbeat in heart rate and rhythm disorders. They also improve the circulation, which is useful in treating some arterial disorders and hypertension. According to the FDA, side effects include headache, nausea, edema, constipation, flushing, lethargy and occasional dizziness. The most common calcium channel blockers include verapamil, brand names Calan, Covera HS, Isoptin and Verelan; and diltiazem, brand names Cardizem and Dilacor XR.
Sympatholytics
Sympatholytics dilate the blood vessels causing a decrease in blood pressure. They achieve this effect by decreasing or blocking the action of the sympathetic nervous system, which normally acts to constrict blood vessels in most parts of the body. According to the FDA, side effects include a dry mouth, stuffy nose, fatigue, drowsiness, nausea and diarrhea. Most of these symptoms diminish over a four to six week period as the body acclimates to the drug. The most common sympatholytics include clonidine, brand name Catapres; and guanfacine, brand name Tenex.
