Blood pressure is defined as the physical force that blood exerts on the inner walls of blood vessels, according to MedlinePlus, a service of the US National Library of Medicine and National Institutes of Health. High blood pressure is defined by a blood pressure reading of 140/90 or higher. Certain medications are available to help manage high blood pressure.
Enalapril
Enalapril belongs to a class of blood pressure medications called angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors or ACE inhibitors, notes MayoClinic.com. Enalapril helps alleviate high blood pressure by lowering the production of angiotensin, a substance that causes arteries to constrict, according to the American Heart Association. Enalapril has been rated as among the top ten blood pressure medications currently available, notes Drugs.com.
Eprosartan Mesylate
Eprosartan mesylate is a kind of angiotensin II receptor blocker, notes the American Heart Association. This blood pressure medication is similar to ACE inhibitors in the sense that they also lower blood pressure by affecting angiotensin. However eprosartan mesylate differs in the that it prevents angiotensin from bonding with the chemical receptors needed for angiotensin to constrict blood vessels. Eprosartan mesylate rates among the top ten blood pressure medications, according to Drugs.com.
Hydralazine Hydrocholoride
Hydralazin hydrocholoride is a vasodilator, notes the American Heart Association. Vasodilators cause the blood vessels to dilate so that blood can flow through them with less pressure. However hydralazin hydrocholoride is not typically prescribed until other kinds of blood pressure medications have failed to lower blood pressure, explains MayoClinic.com.
Indapamide
Indapamide is a thiazide diuretic. Thiazide diuretics are usually the initial blood pressure medications prescribed due to the lower amount of adverse side effects induced, notes MayoClinic.com. Indapamide lowers blood pressure by helping the body excrete salt and water, explains the American Heart Association. This medication ranks among the top ten rated blood pressure medications, according to Drugs.com.
Methyldopa
Methydopa is an alpha-2 receptor agonist, notes the American Heart Association. This medication lowers blood pressure by causing the blood vessels to relax and widen, according to Drugs.com.
Nadolol
Nadolol is a blood pressure medication belonging to the beta-blocker class, notes MayoClinic.com. Nadolol is a highly-rated blood pressure medication, according to Drugs.com. This medication lowers blood pressure by lowering the amount of nerve signals to the heart and blood vessels, causing the heart to beat at a slower and more moderate rate, explains MayoClinic.com.
Terazosin Hydrochloride
Terazosin hydrochloride is an alpha blocker, notes the American Heart Association. Terazosin hydrochloride lowers blood pressure by causing blood vessels to relax to facilitate blood flow. This medication is among the top ten rated blood pressure medications, according to Drugs.com.
Verapamil
Verapamil is a calcium channel blocker, notes the American Heart Association. Calcium channel blockers like verapamil lowers blood pressure by keeping calcium from entering the muscles of the heart and blood vessels, explains MayoClinic.com. Verapamil is ranked among the top ten blood pressure medications, according to Drugs.com.
