Hypertension Medications

Hypertensive patients in whom diet and exercise can not produce safe reduction of blood pressure are usually treated with oral hypertension medications.  Hypertension medications such as Micardis are usually prescribed in conjunction with recommendations to make changes in dietary habits and sedentary lifestyle. In many cases the combination of hypertension medications with diet and lifestyle changes reduces and controls hypertension within healthy limits.

Hypertension Medications

ACE inhibitors:

Mechanism of Action: This type of drug blocks angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) activity resulting less angiotensin activity effectively reducing blood pressure.

Examples of Hypertension Treatment: Captopril, Enalapril, Fosinopril

Side Effects: cough, hypokalemia (low potassium), headache, renal impairment

Diuretics:

Mechanism of Action: This class of hypertension medication elevates excretion of sodium and water from the body. Each class does this via a distinct mechanism but the end result is the same.

Examples of Hypertension Medication: amiloride, torsemide, furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide,

Side Effects: Excessive sodium loss, excessive potassium loss, hypovolemia, hypotension

Beta-adrenergic blockers:

Mechanism of Action:  This class of drug reduces hypertension indirectly by decreasing the force with which the heart pumps.  This drug takes a few days to take full effect.

Examples of Hypertension Medication:  Propranolol, Carvedilol, Nebivolol

Calcium channel blockers: 

Mechanism of Action:  Block calcium entry into heart and vascular smooth muscle preventing activation of these cells.  This reduces the force of heart contraction and reduces vasoconstriction.

Examples of Hypertension Medications:  Verapamil, Sildenafil, dihydropyridines

Side Effects:  Constipation, ankle edema, headache

Hypertensive patients are in charge of the daily decisions to keep their blood pressure on track, deciding what and how much to do, remembering to take their hypertension medication, doing regular blood pressure checks and discussing any specific concerns with his or her health care provider.

To stay healthy and safe, follow your exercise and diet treatment plan and take the hypertension medication as prescribed.