Blood pressure is defined as the force of pressure that your blood exerts on your arteries as it moves through them. Your blood pressure is determined by the rate at which your heart beats, the volume of your blood and the condition of your blood vessels. If your blood pressure is too high, it can lead to heart attack or heart failure. Some people with high blood pressure need medications to help return pressure to normal ranges.
Diuretics
Diuretics, also referred to as water pills, are among the most commonly prescribed medications for high blood pressure. Diuretics stimulate the body to release excess amounts of water and sodium. By doing so, the volume of your blood decreases, as does your blood pressure. One of the most common side effects of diuretic use is a low potassium level. The loss of sodium and water also causes a loss of potassium. When taking diuretics, you should have your potassium levels checked regularly.
Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors
Angiotension-converting enzyme, or ACE, inhibitors are another commonly prescribed medication for high blood pressure. Angiotension is a chemical in your body that stimulates the constriction of your blood vessels. When blood vessels constrict, blood pressure rises. ACE inhibitors block the action of the enzyme that helps your body create angiotension. Reducing the amount of angiotension in the body causes the blood vessels to remain dilated, helping to lower blood pressure. Some common side effects of ACE inhibitors include skin rash, loss of taste and dry cough. In rare cases someone taking an ACE inhibitor may develop liver damage.
Beta-Blockers
Beta-blockers work by disrupting nerve and hormone signals that stimulate the heart and blood vessels to contract. By disrupting these signals, beta-blockers reduce the amount of stress that the heart is under and decrease the amount of blood that is pumped through the blood vessels, which can help lower your blood pressure. Some common side effects of beta-blockers include slow heart beat, insomnia, fatigue, asthma, impotence, depression and coldness in the extremities.
Calcium Channel Blockers
The mineral calcium plays a role in muscle contraction and thus helps control your heartbeat as well as the contraction of your blood vessels. Calcium channel blockers work by blocking the entry of calcium in the cells of your heart and muscles. As a result, the cells remain relaxed, rather than contracted. Calcium channel blockers reduce blood pressure as well as heart rate. Some possible side effects of calcium channel blockers include heart palpitations, headache, dizziness, constipation and swollen ankles.
