Hypertension, also called high blood pressure, is a medical condition that puts extra strain on the heart and blood vessels. If hypertension is left untreated or uncontrolled, it can lead to heart attacks, heart disease, strokes and death. Several types of blood pressure drugs are used to treat this serious condition. Learn about the most common blood pressure medications to understand how they work and what side effects they can cause.
Diuretics
Diuretics are used to treat high blood pressure that is caused by excess fluid. When excess fluid is in the body, it puts pressure on the artery walls, which causes the blood pressure to become elevated. They work by increasing the amounts of fluid and sodium that are excreted into the urine. Loop diuretics and thiazide diuretics may cause potassium levels to become too low. Potassium-sparing diuretics may cause potassium levels to become elevated. Other side effects of diuretics include impotence in men, dehydration, increased urination, skin rash, low blood sodium levels, gout, increased blood sugar, gynecomastia (male breast enlargement) and increased cholesterol levels. Examples of diuretic medications include bumetanide, furosemide and hydrochlorothiazide.
Beta-Blockers
Beta-blockers reduce blood pressure by blocking the effects of epinephrine on the cardiovascular system. As a result, the heartbeat slows down and the muscle beats less with less force. This reduces blood pressure levels. Beta-blockers have a number of potential side effects. These side effects include loss of sexual desire, dizziness, fatigue, weakness, cold hands, depression and shortness of breath. Atenolol, bisoprolol and metoprolol are examples of beta blocker drugs.
Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers
Angiotensin II is a substance that causes the blood vessels to constrict, which makes the heart work harder to pump blood throughout the body. Angiotensin II receptor blockers block the effects of this substance so that the blood vessels relax and the heart does not have to work as hard. Headache is the most common side effect of this type of drug. Other possible side effects include fever, back pain, dizziness, upset stomach, heartburn, cough, nervousness and sore throat. Common angiotensin II receptor blockers include valsartan, losartan and irbesartan.
Calcium Channel Blockers
When calcium passes into the heart too quickly, it can cause blood pressure levels to become elevated. Calcium channel blockers slow down the rate at which calcium enters the heart muscle so that blood pressure is reduced. Possible side effects associated with this type of drug include upset stomach, change in heart rate, constipation, wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, dizziness, heartburn, difficulty swallowing and numbness or tingling in the hands or feet. The calcium channel blocker group includes amlodipine, isradipine and diltiazem.
ACE Inhibitors
ACE inhibitors, also known as angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, prevent angiotensin I from being converted into the angiotensin II that causes a narrowing of the blood vessels. With less angiotensin II available, the blood vessels remain relaxed and blood pressure is reduced. These drugs can cause headache, dry cough, joint pain, upset stomach, diarrhea, fever, numbness in the feet or hands, fatigue, light sensitivity, jaundice, fainting, loss of appetite and lightheadedness. Allergic reactions to these drugs can cause tingling, rash, hives and swelling of the face, mouth, lips and tongue. Enalapril, lisinopril and captopril are examples of ACE inhibitors.
