High blood pressure, or hypertension, usually exceeds a 140mmHg systolic pressure reading and a 90mmHg diastolic pressure reading. Systolic blood pressure is when the heart contracts, whereas diastolic blood pressure is when the heart is at rest, or between heartbeats. The measurements quantify the force exerted on artery walls, according to MedlinePlus. Hypertension has no indicating symptoms, but is a serious condition that can cause stroke, heart and kidney failure and heart attack, reports MedlinePlus. Common high blood pressure medications effectively reduce readings, but have risks.
Amiloride and Hydrochlorothiazide
The "water pill," a combination of amiloride and hydrochlorothiazide, reduces the high blood pressure and fluid retention that can result from several health conditions, including heart disease, MedlinePlus says. As diuretic compounds, they help circumvent the body's natural proclivity to absorb salt. Taking this medication can result in numbness and tingling of the skin, muscle pain, general weakness, fast or slow heartbeats, nausea, rashes, tremors and obstructed urination, according to Drugs.com. These are warning signs of a serious underlying issue and require immediate attention by a healthcare professional.
Individuals with pre-existing conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, liver disease, lupus, gout or a pancreas disorder should not take this medication, Drugs.com warns.
Nebivolol
According to Drugs.com, nebivolol functions to decrease the heart rate by limiting the amount of pumping blood throughout the body. Individuals with hypertension can benefit from the the beta-blocking abilities of nebivolol, as it relieves the heart of undue stress caused by an overworking heartbeat. Those afflicted with hypertension who also have asthma, severe liver problems or heart conditions such as severe heart block or heartbeat irregularities, should not use this medication, as it can cause secondary respiratory complications, Drugs.com says. Dizziness, fatigue, stomach pain and sleep difficulty can arise for those regularly taking this medication. Possible allergic reactions to the compounds include itching, rash, hives and constricted breathing, and require expedient care. Other adverse reactions can include chest pain, fainting, mood fluctuations, numbness and vision troubles. Hypertension patients should contact a doctor immediately if experiencing any of these effects upon taking this drug.
Diltiazem
Diltiazem is a calcium channel blocker. It functions by slowing the electrical conductivity in the heart to effectively slow the rate and normalize the heart rhythm, according to Drugs.com. Individuals with kidney or liver disease or certain heart conditions, such as congestive heart failure, sick sinus syndrome or AV block, or those who have recently suffered a heart attack, should not use this medication. The use of diltiazem can impair thinking and slow reactions, so it's important to refrain from driving or operating other machines while using this drug.
