Detailed Descriptions of High Blood Pressure Medication
As a whole, the different types of medications for
high blood pressure are known as "antihypertensives." In the following sections, each category of antihypertensive drugs is described in more detail.
Diuretics
Diuretics rid the body of excess fluids and salt (sodium). Because this medication works in the kidneys and flushes excess water and sodium from the body, diuretics are sometimes called "water pills."
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 have to work as hard.
Examples of beta blockers used to help manage high blood pressure include:
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