What are the most common blood pressure medications?

If you’re looking to lower your blood pressure, then congratulations! You’ve made a wise decision. High blood pressure can lead to all sorts of health problems like heart disease and stroke. But before we dive into the most common medications for high blood pressure, let’s first talk about what exactly is going on when you have high blood pressure.

The Skinny on Your Blood Pressure

Your blood circulates throughout your body in your veins and arteries. When it moves through these vessels, it creates a force against their walls called blood pressure. This is measured in two numbers: systolic (top number) and diastolic (bottom number). A normal reading should be below 120/80 mmHg.

However, if that number climbs past 140/90 mmHg or higher over time, then you may start experiencing some negative health effects from having chronic high blood pressure (hypertension). That’s where medication comes in!

Beta-Blockers

Beta-blockers are a type of medication that specifically target stress hormones like adrenaline that affect your heart rate and can make your heart work harder than necessary (CV drugs – cardiovascular). By blocking these hormones (hence the name), beta-blockers help slow down how quickly your heart beats while reducing its workload.

Some popular beta-blockers include:

  • Atenolol
  • Bisoprolol
  • Acebutolol
  • Propranolol

While they can have side effects like fatigue or cold hands/feet (Vasodilation), beta-blockers can reduce mortality rates by as much as one-third when used consistently with patients who have had previous myocardial infarctions (MI – Heart Attack).

## ACE Inhibitors/Angiotensin Receptor Blockers

ACE inhibitors (angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors) prevent the production of a hormone called angiotensin II, which can cause blood vessels to narrow by promoting inflammation (CVD – Cardiovascular Disease). Limiting this hormone reduces vascular resistance and causes relaxation.

Some popular ACE inhibitors include:

  • Enalapril
  • Captopril
  • Lisinopril (most commonly used)
  • Ramipril

On the other hand, Angiotensin Receptor Blockers (ARBs) work similarly in preventing an increase in Angiotensin II. But instead of blocking ACE enzymes directly from producing it, ARBs block its receptors on cells. This brings forth similar benefits like ACE inhibitors but with less side effects including dry coughing that’s experienced by some patients.

## Calcium Channel Blockers

Calcium channel blockers prevent calcium ions from entering smooth muscles that control how open your blood vessels are (Angina, Raynaud’s disease, arrhythmias). Since they help relax those muscles, calcium channel blockers lower the pressure inside of them and the workload of the heart itself, leading to more efficient function as well as reduced hypertrophy(LVMH) over time from chronic hypertension.

Some popular calcium channel blockers include:

  • Nifedipine
  • Amlodipine (most potent antihypertensive drug for black people/less digoxin-like activity or cardioselective than verapamil/diltiazem)
    Verapamil
    Diltiazem

While calcium channel blockers usually have no significant effect on mortality rates when compared to placebo treatment , these drugs turn out effective at reducing incidence rate during long-term therapy especially for African American population who has higher degree of salt-sensitivity.

Thiazide Diuretics

Thizides are considered a first-line medication against hypertension since they decrease Vascular Resistance (VR) without causing any negative impact towards lipid profile(Blood cholesterol/triglycerides). These types of diuretics (water pills) work by helping your body get rid of extra fluids and salt through urination. By reducing fluid volume, blood pressure is also reduced.

Some popular thiazide diuretics include:

  • Hydrochlorothiazide (most commonly used)
  • Indapamide
  • Chlorthalidone

Thiazides often have less side effects compared to other hypertensive medications, but they’re a little bit more challenging in terms of dosing, especially with regard to effective doses required to achieve desired or targetted reduction in systolic and diastolic targets which will cause discomfort and mild hypotension(dizziness) amongst patients.

Aldosterone Antagonists

Aldosterone antagonists are another type of medication that reduces the production/action aldosterone hormone whose excessive activity increases salt absorption from kidneys which results in hiked up excretion/salt buildup & worsening hypertension. These diuretic effect drugs specifically block receptors where these hormones function overtaking their pro-hypertensive activities as well (CHF, need for drug combo).

Some popular aldosterone antagonists include:

  • Spironolactone
  • Eplerenone

Both these medications can be quite potent at limiting how much fluid your body holds onto while simultaneously controlling blood pressure levels.

Other Blood Pressure Medications

While beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors/ARBs, calcium channel blockers ,thiazide diuretics,and aldosterone antagonists are commonly prescribed by doctors treating hypertension (Keep it short,), there are plenty more alternatives such as:

  1. Renin Inhibitors
  2. L-type Calcium Channel Blockers: An alternative full range class on sensitive angina outbreaks(compared to verapamil/diltiamem).
  3. Combination Therapy: When above BP lowering agents fail alone.
  4. Alpha Blockers :In alpha-adrenergic receptors,they prevent adrenaline from binding thus more blood flows to vessels and they expand.
  5. ACE Inhibitor/Calcium Channel Blocker (Candesartan and Amlodipine)
  6. Vasodilators

Conclusion

So there you have it! These are some of the most common medications for hypertension that your healthcare provider will likely recommend (HCP), depending on your specific medical history and other factors at play. While effective in curbing high blood pressure as well reducing mortality incidents(at times) be sure not to miss doses, minimize salt intake(& processed foods) , exercise regularly , check with HCP frequently if any side-effects occur ;in order to get better management/results with prescribed medication.

Remember, every body reacts differently to different medications, so don’t hesitate in speaking up or making any reports regarding how medicines feel(eg: dizziness,insomnia). Your health is vital – glad we could provide helpful information in a more fun manner (brb playing doctor game now lol #unlicensedMD)

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