Different high blood pressure medications and their side effects

High blood pressure is one of the conditions that need to be dealt with with attention, and knowledge of the most important medications available for treatment, especially in case of emergency, so we will learn about the most important High blood pressure medications Different, and do they have side effects! And other important information in the following lines.

stages of hypertension

There are degrees or stages of high blood pressure, classified according to the apparent reading when measuring, and divided into:

  • Slightly elevated blood pressure: The reading here when measuring is 120 to 129 for the upper (systolic) reading, and less than 80 for the lower (diastolic) reading.
  • High blood pressure (stage one)The blood pressure reading here is 130 to 139 for the systolic pressure, and 80 to 89 for the diastolic pressure.
  • High blood pressure (stage two): And the reading of blood pressure when measuring 140/90 or higher, which are readings that indicate an increase in the seriousness of the condition.
  • Hypertensive crisis: It is the most dangerous of these degrees, and this is known when the reading is 180/120, especially since it may be accompanied by some serious symptoms such as chest pain, and here you should consult a doctor immediately.

High blood pressure medications

The medicines prescribed by the doctor are the main line of defense against high blood pressure problems, especially in the serious stages, and among the most popular high blood pressure treatment medicines:

diuretics;

Diuretics are used to help the kidneys get rid of excess water and sodium, thus helping to reduce the volume of blood that passes through the blood vessels, thus helping to lower high blood pressure.

Diuretics are divided into 3 types, namely:

  • Thiazide diuretics, including chlorthalidone and indapamide.
  • Loop diuretics, including bumetanide and torsemide.
  • Potassium-sparing diuretics, including amiloride and triamterene.

beta blockers

The action of beta blockers is to stop substances that stimulate the heart, which helps reduce pressure on it, and beats at a slower speed, and as the heart pumps less blood through the blood vessels, this will be reflected in blood pressure, which helps to lower it. Atenolol and nadolol.

ACE inhibitors

These inhibitors work to prevent the body from producing a hormone known as angiotensin II, and these drugs also help to widen the blood vessels, so that there is a wider space for the passage of blood, which helps to lower pressure, and among the most famous inhibitors are lisinopril, and ramipril.

Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs)

These drugs prevent the receptors from uniting with the hormone angiotensin II, which prevents the narrowing of blood vessels, thus helping to lower blood pressure. The most famous of these drugs is Candesartan and Valsartan.

Alpha blockers

One of the factors that contribute to the narrowing of blood vessels is the binding of catecholamine hormones to alpha receptors, which eventually results in high blood pressure, so alpha blockers prevent this process, and among the most famous of these drugs is doxazosin and prazosin.

Calcium channel blockers

Calcium is an important element for the body and muscles in particular, and the blockers here prevent calcium from entering the smooth muscles present in both the heart and blood vessels, in order to help the heart beat with less effort, and this is reflected in blood pressure, and among the most famous calcium channel blockers are amlodipine and nifedipine.

Other medicines intended to treat blood pressure

There are many other medications that can fall under the heading of blood pressure treatment, the most famous of which are:

  • Alpha beta blockers.
  • beta blockers
  • Aldosterone antagonists.
  • Renin inhibitors.
  • vasodilators;
  • Centrally acting drugs.

Side effects of high blood pressure medications

It is important to know that any medication has side effects, but their degree varies and does not have to happen to everyone, so although we will mention the side effects of high pressure medications, you should never stop them without consulting a doctor!

Diuretic damage

One of the most common side effects of these medications is frequent urge to urinate and going to the bathroom. In addition, they can cause weakness and low levels of potassium in the body. However, not all types of diuretics cause low potassium.

* Sometimes diuretics may cause foot pain, and some erection problems for men.

Harmful effects of ACE drugs and ARBs

Possible side effects of ACE inhibitors include a cough that does not go away, and a possible rash.

As for angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs), a possible side effect is dizziness.

Side effects of calcium channel blockers

Some people may feel dizzy or constipated after taking calcium channel blockers, have a headache, have swollen ankles or have an irregular heartbeat.

Alpha blocker side effects

There are some possible harms that may be caused by alpha-blockers, including feeling dizzy when getting up from sitting or sleeping, due to a decrease in blood pressure, in addition to feeling a rapid heartbeat in some people.

Also read: Symptoms of high blood pressure that you should watch out for.

What is the best medicine without side effects?

The truth is that this frequently asked question requires an important clarification, which is that medicines generally for the treatment of any disease have side effects, but they differ according to their degree, they may be simple or severe, just as prescribing a medicine to treat blood pressure is not according to the medicine that has the least side effects, but rather according to the medicine. The most suitable for the situation, which is determined by the doctor of course.

In general, the more you follow a healthy system in your life, the more it contributes to maintaining your normal pressure rate, which helps you to be less exposed to pressure problems and need more medications. You can also consult a doctor if there is a medication suitable for your condition with fewer side effects, and do not use medication on your own.

Important tips when taking high blood pressure medications

It is very important to know that there are some warnings that must be paid attention to by some who use medications to treat high blood pressure, including:

  • Do not take any medications according to the experience of others, but rather after consulting a doctor and diagnosis.
  • Develop a plan with the doctor for emergencies, to know how to act.
  • Tell your doctor about other medicines for any other diseases that you are taking, such as medicines for diabetes.
  • If calcium channel blockers are prescribed, do not eat or drink grapefruit or grapefruit products, and consult your doctor.
  • Pregnant women or those planning to become pregnant should discuss with their doctor about the medications used.
  • In the event that you notice a strange health problem, and believe that it is related to blood pressure medications, such as some sexual problems, you should consult a doctor.

In the end, after knowing the most famous blood pressure treatment drugs, and the most important tips when using them, we stress the importance of following a healthy diet and lifestyle that includes sports, and we also recommend an article for you on how to treat blood pressure with herbs.

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