Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, is a common chronic disease in which the pressure of the blood against your arteries is high. If left intreated, hypertension can lead to serious problems including heart attack and stroke. Changing your diet and adding physical activity can bring your blood pressure under control, but some people also need intervention in the form of medications. These medications work in a variety of ways, and all of them have potential side effects of which you should be aware.
Diuretics
Diuretics help your body get rid of excess water. They do so by increasing the amount of sodium in the kidneys, which pulls water from the bloodstream, reducing the pressure. The most common side effect of diuretics is an increase in urination, according to the Mayo Clinic. Diuretics can also cause low sodium levels, increased blood sugar levels and high cholesterol. Men taking diuretics may experience breast enlargement or impotence, while women may have irregular menstrual cycles. Gout, an accumulation of uric acid crystals around joints, is also a potential side effect. Finally, a histamine response, usually a rash, can occur.
Beta Blockers
Beta blockers are prescribed for many conditions, including hypertension. These medications inhibit the effect of adrenaline, a hormone that the body releases in response to stress. Adrenaline release causes increased blood pressure, as the body prepares for the fight-or-flight response from a real or perceived stressor. Beta blockers also dilate the blood vessels, which decreases blood pressure.
Commonly experienced side effects of beta blockers include fatigue, coldness in the extremities, lethargy and fatigue. Most of these effects are caused by the drop in blood pressure brought on by the medication, and they may subside once your body becomes accustomed to the beta blockers. Some people experience insomnia, impotence, breathing difficulty and depression when taking beta blockers.
Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors
Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors dilate your blood vessels, lowering blood pressure. These medications may also have a protective effect on the kidneys and heart, according to Medline Plus. Side effects of ACE inhibitors occur infrequently but include dry cough and dizziness. In addition, those taking ACE inhibitors occasionally experience fatigue, headache, stomach problems, numbness, fever and pain in the joints. An allergic reaction to an ACE inhibitor may appear as a rash, which should not be ignored. See your doctor if you think you may be having an allergic reaction.
Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers
Angiotensin II receptor blockers inhibit the effects of angiotensin II, a substance in the body that narrows blood vessels. As a result, your blood vessels dilate, decreasing your blood pressure. Side effects of angiotensin II receptor blockers are rare but can include headache, dizziness, lethargy, stomach problems, nasal congestion and pain in the legs and lower back. Other, far less common side effects are kidney and liver failure, a lowered white blood cell count and localized swelling. As with any other medication, you can experience an allergic reaction and should see your doctor immediately if this should occur.
Calcium Channel Blockers
Calcium channel blockers keep calcium from getting into the cells of the heart and blood vessels. The cells of the muscle walls respond by dilating, thus decreasing blood pressure. Side effects of calcium channel blockers include a rapid heartbeat, headache, lethargy, flushing, stomach problems and edema in the lower extremities, which is the pooling of fluid. Don't take calcium channel blockers with any product that contains grapefruit, as it inhibits the liver's ability to process the medications.
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