Hypertension medications explained

Hypertension medications can improve high blood pressure and heart health

Hypertension medications can be used to control high blood pressure when it is consistently above 140/90 mm Hg. There are a variety of medications that can be taken to help control high blood pressure (hypertension).

ACE Inhibitors are one type of hypertension medications prescribed for patients with high blood pressure, a likelihood of having coronary artery disorder or congestive heart failure. An ACE inhibitor’s main benefit is the reduced feelings of tiredness and shortness of breath. They can reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke as well. ACE inhibitors work by widening blood vessels to increase blood flow to the heart, taking the pressure off your heart.

Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers (ARBs) are another form of hypertension medications that treat heart failure and high blood pressure. They work by blocking an enzyme called angiotensin II that causes blood vessels to narrow, resulting in the heart having to work harder. The ARBS will relax blood vessels allowing the heart to pump normally and lower blood pressure.

Beta-blockers treat high blood pressure, chest pain (angina), abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmia) and congestive heart failure. This hypertension medication can, in some cases, prevent future heart attacks for those at risk. This type of hypertension medication works by blocking responses from beta nerve receptors. The beta-blocker basically slows your heart rate in order to reduce the workload on your heart through lowered blood pressure.

Along with the other options for hypertension medications, calcium channel blockers can also be prescribed to control high blood pressure, irregular heartbeat and coronary artery disease (arrhythmia), as well as chest pain (angina). These calcium channel blockers are generally taken in combination with other hypertension medications, such as beta-blockers or diuretics to help reduce high blood pressure. Calcium channel blockers are classified as vasodilators so they allow blood to flow more easily by widening blood vessels, taking increased pressure off of the heart.

Diuretics are another prescription medication that increase the amount of salt removed from the body through the kidneys. They are typically the most commonly prescribed hypertension medications. When the body processes urine, water levels in blood are lowered, which overall reduces blood pressure.

Remember to always take medications as prescribed by your doctor. Never stop taking any form of hypertension medications without first discussing it with your doctor.