Types of Hypertension Medication

Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, is a very serious medical condition that can contribute to kidney failure, heart disease, strokes and heart attacks. While diet and exercise can be effective in reducing blood pressure levels, some people need medication. There are several types of hypertension medication available.

ACE Inhibitors

An enzyme known as angiotensin II narrows the blood vessels and triggers the release of hormones that can cause an increase in blood pressure. Narrowed blood vessels make the heart work harder and can cause high blood pressure. Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors relax the blood vessels to prevent this from occurring. Capoten, vasotec, lotensin, monopril, univasc, accupril, altace and mavik are examples of ACE inhibitors.

Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers

Angiotensin II receptor blockers are similar to ACE inhibitors because they block angiotensin II from making the blood vessels narrower. This type of drug causes the blood vessels to dilate, reducing the blood pressure. This reduces the workload of the heart and can improve the condition of people with heart failure. Candesartan, eprosartan, irbesartan, valsartan, telmisartan and losartan are examples of angiotensin II receptor blockers.

Beta Blockers

Beta blockers are used to treat hypertension because they block the effects of adrenaline on the body's beta receptors. This causes the nerve impulses that travel to the heart to slow down, reducing the amount of blood and oxygen needed. The reduced need for blood and oxygen means that the heart does not have to work as hard. The body has beta 1 and beta 2 receptors, with some of the beta blockers working on beta 1 receptors and other beta blockers working on beta 2 receptors. There are also non-selective beta blockers that work to block both types of beta receptors. Sotalol, cartrol, nadolol, betaxolol, labetalol, bisoprolol and atenolol are examples of beta blockers.

Calcium Channel Blockers

Calcium channel blockers work to decrease the pumping strength of the heart and relax the blood vessels. They are also known as calcium blockers or calcium antagonists. This type of drug is used to treat hypertension as well as abnormal heart rhythms and chest pain. Diltiazem, verapamil and nifedipine are examples of calcium channel blockers. According to the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, great caution should be used in prescribing nifedipine in someone with high blood pressure, chest pain or a recent heart attack.

Diuretics

Diuretics increase the amount of sodium that is excreted into the urine. The sodium takes water from the blood with it when it leaves the body. The reduced amount of fluid in the blood vessels leads to lower blood pressure because it reduces the pressure on the walls of the arteries. The three types of diuretics available are loop diuretics, thiazide diuretics and potassium-sparing diuretics. Metolazone, hydrochlorothiazide and chlorothiazide are examples of thiazide diuretics. Examples of loop diuretics include torsemide, ethacrynic acid, bumetanide and furosemide. Potassium-sparing diuretics include spironolactone, triamterene, amiloride and eplerenone.