High blood pressure affects over one billion people worldwide and is the major contributor to stroke and heart attack, according to the American College of Sports Medicine (2006). Also called hypertension, this condition causes millions to suffer death and disability annually. There are several medications, called antihypertensives, available to lower blood pressure. With treatment, most people live long and healthy lives.
Diuretics
Initial therapy will probably consist of taking diuretics. Excess water and salt in the blood vessels can increase blood pressure and make the heart work harder. Diuretics lower pressure by flushing fluid from the body. There are three classes of diuretics: thiazides, "loop" diuretics, and potassium-sparing diuretics. They are grouped according to the mechanism by which they make the kidneys increase urination, according to the American Heart Association.
Brand names: HydroDIURIL, Diuril, Lasix, Bumex, Aldactone, Dyrenium, Zaroxolyn, Lozol, Midamor and Dyazide.
Beta-Blockers
Beta-blockers slow the heart rate down by blocking beta receptors in the cardiac cells. These receptors receive chemical messages from the body in order to make the heart beat faster. As a result, the heart maintains a slower rate with less strain, and blood pressure decreases.
Brand names: Betapace, Blocadren, Cartrol, Coreg, Corgard Inderal, Inderal LA, Kerlone, Levatol, Lopressor, Normodyne, Sectral, Tenormin, Toprol-XL, Trandate, Visken, Zebeta and Zelate.
Sympathetic Nerve Inhibitors
Sympathetic nerves originating in the brain and traveling throughout the body can cause blood vessels to constrict and consequently increase blood pressure. Inhibitors block the action of these nerves and decrease arterial pressure. In this class, the most commonly used drug is clonidine (brand name Catapres).
Vasodilators
This class of drugs relaxes the muscles in the walls of blood vessels and causes then to widen or dilate. The blood flows easier through the widened vessels and reduces blood pressure, according to the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. Nitroglycerin pills are well-known vasodilators.
Common brand names: Isordil, Natrecor, Apresoline and Loniten.
ACE Inhibitors and Angiotension II Receptor Blockers
The body produces a chemical called angiotension that causes blood vessels to narrow and increases blood pressure. ACE inhibitors stop the body from making angiotension, and angiotension II receptor blockers block its effects.
ACE inhibitor brand names: Prinivil, Zestril, Accupril, Monopril, Altace, Capoten and Vasotec.
Angiotension II receptor blocker brand names: Atacand, Avapro, Cozaar and Diovan.
Calcium Channel Blockers
This class of drugs works by both reducing heart rate and relaxing blood vessels.
Common brand names: Norvasc, Cardizem, Procardia and Calan.
The Right Medications For You
Have patience and work with your doctor to find your ideal combination and dosage of antihypertensives. People respond differently to medications, and each class of drugs may or may not present side effects. You may have to go through several trial periods and adjustments of medication. Most medicinal treatments for hypertension cannot be stopped and must continue for life.
References
- ACSM's Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription: Lawrence Armstrong, PhD. et al.; 2006
- American Heart Association
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
