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Medication For Hypertension
By peace | August 18, 2007
There are different categories of drugs used to bring high blood pressure within a normal range and they work in three different ways:
Type 1
These drugs, known as diuretics, reduce the amount of fluid in the body by increasing urine flow. By reducing body fluid it means that there is less for the heart to pump around the body.
Type 2
Drugs in this category reduce the heart’s workload by preventing the stimulating effects of stress, slowing the heartbeat and reducing its force. This makes it easier for the heart to pump blood around the body. Beta blockers are the best known in this category.
Type I and Type 2 Drugs
Diuretics
Examples: bendrofluazide, chlorthalidone, metolazone
Possible side effects: Loss of appetite, stomach upsets, dehydration, impotence, increased cholesterol level, allergic reactions, increased uric acid (leading to risk of gout), raised blood sugar
Beta Blockers
Example: Oxyprenolol, propranolol, atenolol, bisoprolol, nadolol, indalol, imolol
Possible side-effects: Light headedness, pins and needles, cold fingers and toes, stomach upsets, depression, nightmares, wheezing, drowsiness, lethargy, weakness, fatigue, visual disturbances
Type 3
These act on the widening and narrowing of the blood vessels. The group includes ACE inhibitors, which block blood vessels to narrow; angiotensin II inhibitors which block the effect of angiotensin; calcium channel blockers, which relax the blood vessels, and alpha blockers which also relax the blood vessels.
Type 3 Drugs
ACE Inhibitors - block formation of the hormone angiotensin II, which causes the blood vessels to narrow. The action of this drug improves blood flow and therefore decreases the amount of work the heart has to do. More salt and water are lost in urine as well.
Example: gaptopril, enalapril, lisinopril, ramipril
Possible side effects: coughing, dizziness on sitting or standing up, general dizziness, rash, allergic reactions and loss of taste
Calcium Channel - Reduces the amount of calcium in muscles which form the walls of the arteries, relaxing them and causing arteries to widen. This leads to a drop in blood pressure. It also reduces the workload of the heart and cuts down its oxygen needs.
Example: amlodipine, diltiazem, nifedipine, verapamil
Possible side effects: flushing, headache, swollen ankles, dizziness, fatigue, nausea, palpitations, drowsiness, insomnia, stomach upsets, rashes, ringing in ears
Drug treatment for hypertension is not short term. It may be necessary for some years or for the rest of your life, but controlling the condition is likely to give you more years of good health than bad.
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