Blood pressure is what we use to measure the force of the blood flowing through the veins. It is one of the vitals that are always taken in a doctor's office or in an emergency setting. When the blood pressure gets too high, it can put added strain on the heart and other end organs like the kidneys. There are different types of medications to help lower blood pressure by acting on different pathways in the body.
Diuretics
These medications work by removing excess salt from the kidneys and blood vessels. This causes extra water to leave the body with the salt. The decrease in volume leads to a decrease in blood pressure. These prescriptions are usually written first because they work well and are the most cost effective. Diuretics can be taken in combination with other hypertension drugs and works better in some races, like people of African descent. Common side effects include low levels of sodium, increased blood sugar and cholesterol, erectile dysfunction and menstrual irregularities.
Beta-Blockers
Beta blockers help to reduce blood pressure by blocking the effects of epinephrine (adrenaline). Blocking the effects of epinephrine will cause the heart to beat slower and with less force, and thus decrease the pressure through the blood vessels. Some beta blockers also work to help keep the blood vessels more open. These medications are more useful for people with high blood pressure and heart problems. Side effects include cold hands and feet, dizziness and fatigue.
Calcium Channel Blockers
This type of blocker specifically blocks calcium from entering the cells. This will result in a decreased strength of contraction of the heart and less tension in the blood vessel walls. A combination of these factors helps to lower blood pressure and is also useful for those who have heart irregularities and episodes of angina (chest pain). These drugs are also commonly prescribed with statins. Common side effects include constipation, swelling in the legs and feet, fatigue and nausea.
Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme (ACE) Inhibitors and Blockers (ARBS)
These drugs are more specific to the heart. ACE inhibitors prevent the body from making an enzyme called angiotensin II. Blockers allow the body to make angiotensin II but simply block it from entering the receptor sites, much like a key cannot open a lock if there is gum in it. Angiotensin II tells the heart to beat harder and causes the blood vessels to narrow. By preventing the body from making or using angiotensin II, it helps keep the heart rate lower and the blood vessels more open. In addition to blood pressure, these medicines also help with diabetes, coronary artery disease, kidney disease and migraines. Side effects include increased potassium in the blood, rashes, dizziness, and changes in taste and reduced appetite over long periods.
Other Combination Medications
These medications also work to help lower blood pressure, but are rarely a first-line prescription. If one of the more common medications does not work completely, drugs such as vasodialators and alpha blockers are prescribed at the same time. They both work by opening up the blood vessels. Statins are also combined with other blood pressure medications. Statin's main uses are for lowering cholesterol, but it's now known to help with blood pressure and to prevent heart attacks
