Systolic hypertension describes a condition in which the systolic blood pressure is unusually high. Patients suffering from systolic hypertension have elevated arterial pressure when the heart is actively pumping blood. This puts extra strain on the heart, and can lead to coronary artery disease and heart failure. Systolic hypertension can be treated using many different medications.
Identification
There are many different kinds of medications which can be used to treat systolic hypertension. Diuretics, which include thiazide and spironolactone, are one type of drug which can treat systolic hypertension. Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors, also known as ACE inhibitors, and angiotensin II receptor blockers are another class of medications. Other groups of drugs which can be used to treat systolic hypertension include beta blockers, alpha blockers, calcium channel blockers, direct vasodilators and centrally acting drugs, the Food and Drug Administration explains.
Function
There are three main ways in which anti-hypertensive drugs work, FamilyDoctor notes. Diuretics cause the body to excrete more urine, which reduces the amount of liquid in the blood; loss of blood volume causes the systolic blood pressure to go down. Other drugs--such as calcium channel blockers, direct vasodilators and those which affect the hormone angiotensin--cause the arteries to dilate, which lowers blood pressure. Beta blockers, on the other hand, reduce the force with which the heart pumps, thus slowing the speed with which blood flows through the arteries and lowering systolic blood pressure.
Side Effects
Although the medications used to treat systolic blood pressure are generally safe, there are certain side effects associated with their use. Drugs that affect angiotensin can result in a cough and feelings of fatigue or dizziness. Beta blockers can be dangerous for patients who have asthma, and can also upset the gastrointestinal system, the Food and Drug Administration states. Calcium channel blockers commonly cause patients to flush and can cause swelling of the ankles. Diuretics are associated with needing to urinate frequently. The side effects vary depending on the patient and the drug. Fortunately, serious medical problems as a result of these side effects are not common, and most patients are able to tolerate these side effects. Before taking a drug for systolic hypertension, it is critical the patient discuss potential side effects and health risks with a physician.
Combination Drugs
It is possible to treat systolic hypertension with multiple drugs simultaneously. Typically a combination will be used that treats the systolic hypertension in many different ways, so the drugs can have an additive effect on each other. One common combination is a diuretic and a angiotensin II receptor blocker, the Food and Drug Administration explains. Sometimes drugs for systolic hypertension are also combined with drugs for high cholesterol.
Considerations
It is important for patients who are taking medications for systolic hypertension to take their pills every day, the American Heart Association states. Patients should also make lifestyle changes, which can include altering their diet and adopting an exercise routine to lower their systolic blood pressure. Finally, it is critical anyone who has problems with hypertension to have their blood pressure taken on a regular basis to see if current treatments are working.
