An Introduction to Blood Pressure Medicine
In addition to lifestyle changes, many people require medicine for
blood pressure to improve their condition. There are many types of drugs for
hypertension. Each of these works in a different way. It's possible that your healthcare provider will need to try a few different types of medications to determine which one is best for you.
If your doctor does prescribe a drug, don't forget to take your pills exactly as directed. Even if you feel well, you still need to take the medicine.
Categories of Medicines for High Blood Pressure
There are several categories of blood pressure medicine. Often, two or more drugs work better in combination than one. The main types drugs used to treat this condition 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:
