Hypertension Treatment
Once you have been diagnosed with hypertension, treatment will be recommended by your doctor depending on your blood pressure reading and your risk of developing complications.
Medicine for High Blood Pressure
There are several types of medications that can be used to control your blood pressure. You might need to take a combination of medication. There are some factors that will determine the type of drug your doctor will prescribe. For example, your age and race will be deciding factors.
Blood pressure medication may need to be taken for the rest of your life, so its good to understand this from the get-go. Only your doctor should adjust your medication.
It is also very important to take your medication as instructed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, the medication will not work as well as it should. Hypertension medication might not make you feel different; however, this does not mean it is not working.
If you have problems taking the medication or are experiencing side effects, please don’t stop taking the medication. Contact you doctor in order to discuss alternative options.
Medication
In order to encourage adherence, basic knowledge of the medication is needed. Below are some of the common medication used to treat hypertension and a brief explanation of how it works.
Ace Inhibitors
ACE inhibitors, stands for Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, this medication works by relaxing the blood vessels. Common examples of ACE inhibitors are enalapril, lisinopril and ramipril.
ARBs
ARBs, stands for Angiotension-2 receptor blocker. These work in a similar way to ACE inhibitors. This class of medication is often prescribed if a patient is experiencing side effects with ACE inhibitors. Examples of ARBs are candesartan, losartan and valsartan.
Calcium Channel Blockers
Calcium channel blocker (CCB) reduce blood pressure by widening your blood vessels. Some examples of calcium channel blockers are amlodipine and nifedipine.
Diuretics
Diuretics are known as the “water pills’, this is because they work on flushing excess water and salt from the body thereby decreasing blood pressure. Common examples are indapamide and bendroflumethiazide.
Beta Blockers
Beta blockers reduce blood pressure by causing your heart to beat with less force. Examples of beta blockers are atenolol and bisoprolol.
Medication works best in combination with lifestyle changes. Speak to your doctor if you need help with implementing these. With good adherence, high blood pressure can be well-controlled and you can live a healthy life.
Written by Dr Ruusa Shivute | Health Window
Reference: Unger T, Borghi C, Charchar F, et al. 2020 International Society of Hypertension global hypertension practice guidelines. J Hypertens 2020; 38:982.
