High blood pressure, congestive heart failure and cardiac arrhythmia are treated with medications for heart and blood pressure control. These drugs are often effective but have side effects that can make it necessary to reduce the dosage or take a different drug. Drugs used for both heart and blood pressure control include beta blockers, angiotensin receptor blockers, diuretics and ACE inhibitors.
Beta Blockers
Beta blockers treat high blood pressure and heart conditions such as chest pain, congestive heart failure and cardiac arrhythmia (abnormal heart rhythm). These drugs block the effects of adrenaline on the body receptors of the body. This slows down the heart's nerve impulses, reducing the workload of the heart. Propranolol, metoprolol, labetalol, ] and carvedilol are examples of beta blockers used for heart and blood pressure control. Common side effects of beta blockers include cold hands and feet, fatigue, weakness, drowsiness, dry mouth, dry skin, dizziness and dry eyes.
Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers
Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) are used to control high blood pressure and treat heart failure. These drugs are also given to people who have had heart attacks. ARBs block the body's type 1 angiontensin II receptors. This dilates the blood vessels, reducing the heart's workload and decreasing pressure in the arteries. ARBs also increase the excretion of water and sodium by the kidneys, which also helps to reduce blood pressure. Valsartan, olmesartan, irbesartan, candesartan, eprosartan, losartan and telmisartan are examples of angiotensin receptor blockers. Common side effects of these drugs include dizziness, nasal congestion, headache, back pain, lightheadedness, diarrhea and leg pain.
Diuretics
Diuretics are used to treat hypertension and congestive heart failure. These drugs work by increasing the excretion of sodium and water from the body. When excess sodium and fluid accumulate in the blood vessels, the heart has to work harder to pump blood. When diuretics increase excretion of these substances, the workload of the heart is reduced. One of the possible side effects of diuretics is a loss of potassium from the body. This can be avoided by taking potassium-sparing diuretics, which prevent potassium loss. Loop diuretics and thiazide diuretics are also used for heart failure and blood pressure control. Hydrochlorothiazide, bumetanide, furosemide and amiloride are examples of diuretics. Diuretics are associated with low sodium levels, skin rash, gout, impotence (men), increased cholesterol levels, high blood sugar and breast enlargement in men.
ACE Inhibitors
Angiotensin II is an enzyme that causes the blood vessels to constrict, which makes the heart work harder to force blood through the arteries. ACE inhibitors prevent angiotensin I from being converted into angiotensin II, which relaxes the blood vessels and reduces the workload of the heart. Pregnant women should not take these drugs, so notify your doctor immediately if you are taking an ACE inhibitor and become pregnant. Captopril, enalapril, lisinopril, quinapril and ramipril are examples of ACE inhibitors. These drugs are used to treat high blood pressure, heart failure and coronary artery disease. ACE inhibitors are also given to people who have had heart attacks. Side effects of ACE inhibitors include rash, lightheadedness, loss of appetite, dizziness and changes in taste.
