Different types of blood pressure medicine include ACE inhibitors, diuretics, and beta blockers. Often, two or more medicines work better than one taken alone. If your doctor prescribes blood pressure medicine, it's important to take it exactly as directed. Along with certain lifestyle changes, these medicines can help people with hypertension live a long and healthy life.
An Introduction to Blood Pressure Medicine
In addition to lifestyle changes, many people require
blood pressure medicine to improve their condition. There are many types of blood pressure medicine. Each of these works in a different way. It's possible that your healthcare provider will need to try a few different types of blood pressure medicine to determine which one is best for you.
If your doctor does prescribe blood pressure medicine, don't forget to take your pills exactly as directed. Even if you feel well, you still need to take the medicine.
Categories of Blood Pressure Medicine
There are several categories of blood pressure medicine. Often, two or more drugs work better in combination than one. The main types of blood pressure medicine include:
- Beta blockers
- Diuretics
- Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs)
- Calcium channel blockers (CCBs)
- Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors
- Alpha blockers
- Alpha-beta blockers
- Nervous system inhibitors
- Vasodilators.
Descriptions of Blood Pressure Medicine
As a whole, the different types of
high blood pressure medicine are known as "antihypertensives." In the following sections, each variety of antihypertensive drugs is described in more detail.
Beta Blockers
Beta blockers reduce the heart rate and the heart's output of blood. They do this by reducing nerve impulses to the heart and blood vessels. This makes the heart beat slower and with less force. Blood pressure drops, and the heart doesn't need to work as hard.
Beta blockers employed as blood pressure medicines include:
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