High blood pressure (also known as hypertension) is a chronic medical problem that can put patients at an increased risk of developing other forms of cardiovascular disease, such as heart failure, atherosclerosis and stroke. There are many different prescription medications that can be used to treat high blood pressure using various mechanisms of action.
Angiotensin-Targeting Medications
Two different types of blood pressure medication target a hormone called angiotensin. Angiotensin gets converted from an inactive form (angiotensin I) to an active form (angiotensin II) by an enzyme called angiotensin converting enzyme. Angiotensin II causes blood vessels to narrow, thus increasing blood pressure. Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors prevent the production of angiotensin II. Examples of these medications, according to the Food and Drug Administration, include quinapril, captopril and lisinopril. Angiotensin II receptor blockers (such as losartan and valsartan) work to prevent the effects of angiotensin II.
Beta Blockers
The Mayo Clinic explains that another kind of medication which can be used to treat high blood pressure is the beta blocker class of pharmaceuticals. Beta blockers include the compounds nadolol and metoprolol. These drugs affect nerve signals that go to the heart and blood vessels, causing relaxation of the cardiovascular system. As a result, the heart beats more slowly and with reduced force and the blood vessels become dilated.
Diuretics
Diuretics, according to FamilyDoctor.org, work by causing the body to excrete extra sodium into the urine. This also causes increased urine output, which in turn decreases the volume of the blood. Reduced blood volume also causes a reduction in blood pressure. Commonly prescribed diuretics for high blood pressure include furosemide and spironolactone.
Calcium Channel Blockers
Calcium channel blockers are medications that keep calcium from entering into the smooth muscle cells around blood vessels. Because these muscles require calcium to contract, calcium channel blockers cause the smooth muscles to relax, which causes the blood vessels to expand, lowering blood pressure. Commonly prescribed calcium channel blockers include diltiazem and nifedipine.
