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Prescription blood pressure drugs come in many classesMany blood pressure medications, known as antihypertensives, are available by prescription to lower high blood pressure (HBP or hypertension). There are a variety of classes of high blood pressure medications and they include a number of different drugs. Overviews of the classes of blood pressure medicationsSummaries of some of the major types of commonly prescribed cardiovascular medications are provided here.
Patients taking ACE-i and ARBs who contract COVID-19 should continue treatment, unless otherwise advised by their physician The classes of blood pressure medications include:
DiureticsDiuretics help the body get rid of excess sodium (salt) and water and help control blood pressure. They are often used in combination with additional prescription therapies.
Some noted possible side effects from diuretics:
Beta-blockersBeta-blockers reduce the heart rate, the heart's workload and the heart's output of blood, which lowers blood pressure.
Some noted possible side effects of beta-blockers:
ACE inhibitorsAngiotensin is a chemical that causes the arteries to become narrow, especially in the kidneys but also throughout the body. ACE stands for Angiotensin-converting enzyme. ACE inhibitors help the body produce less angiotensin, which helps the blood vessels relax and open up, which, in turn, lowers blood pressure.
Some noted possible side effects of ACE inhibitors:
Angiotensin II receptor blockersThese drugs block the effects of angiotensin, a chemical that causes the arteries to become narrow. Angiotensin needs a receptor- like a chemical "slot" to fit into or bind with- in order to constrict the blood vessel. ARBs block the receptors so the angiotensin fails to constrict the blood vessel. This means blood vessels stay open and blood pressure is reduced.
Some noted possible side effects of Angiotensin II receptor blockers:
Calcium channel blockersThis drug prevents calcium from entering the smooth muscle cells of the heart and arteries. When calcium enters these cells, it causes a stronger and harder contraction, so by decreasing the calcium, the hearts' contraction is not as forceful. Calcium channel blockers relax and open up narrowed blood vessels, reduce heart rate and lower blood pressure.
Some noted possible side effects of calcium channel blockers:
Alpha blockersThese drugs reduce the arteries' resistance, relaxing the muscle tone of the vascular walls.
Some noted possible side effects of alpha blockers:
Alpha-2 Receptor AgonistsThese drugs reduce blood pressure by decreasing the activity of the sympathetic (adrenaline-producing) portion of the involuntary nervous system. Methyldopa is considered a first line antihypertensive during pregnancy because adverse effects are infrequent for the pregnant woman or the developing fetus.
Some noted possible side effects of Alpha-2 Receptor Agonists:
Combined alpha and beta-blockersCombined alpha and beta-blockers are used as an IV drip for those patients experiencing a hypertensive crisis. They may be prescribed for outpatient high blood pressure use if the patient is at risk for heart failure.
A noted possible side effect of combined alpha and beta-blockers:
Central agonistsCentral agonists also help decrease the blood vessels' ability to tense up or contract. The central agonists follow a different nerve pathway than the alpha and beta-blockers, but accomplish the same goal of blood pressure reduction.
Some noted possible side effects of central agonists:
Peripheral adrenergic inhibitorsThese medications reduce blood pressure by blocking neurotransmitters in the brain. This blocks the smooth muscles from getting the "message" to constrict. These drugs are rarely used unless other medications don't help.
Some noted possible side effects of peripheral adrenergic inhibitors:
Blood vessel dilators (vasodilators)Blood vessel dilators, or vasodilators, can cause the muscle in the walls of the blood vessels (especially the arterioles) to relax, allowing the vessel to dilate (widen). This allows blood to flow through better.
Some noted possible side effects of vasodilators:
† Used in severe cases or when kidney failure is present. What are the long term side effects of blood pressure medication?Over time, however, they can cause insomnia and sleep disorders, depression, poor circulation (in the form of cold hands and feet), and erectile dysfunction. As with diuretics, Beta Blockers can affect the sugar reading of diabetics, so it is important to check your readings often.
What is the downside of taking blood pressure medicine?Most of the time, blood pressure medicines do not cause side effects. Some people have mild side effects, including dizziness, headaches, swelling in the legs or feet, or stomach problems.
What does high blood pressure medication do to your body?Blood pressure medicines work in different ways to lower blood pressure: Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) keep your blood vessels from narrowing as much. Calcium channel blockers prevent calcium from entering the muscle cells of your heart and blood vessels.
Which high blood pressure medication has the least side effects?While the class of blood pressure-lowering medicines called angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors may be prescribed more commonly, angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) work just as well and may cause fewer side effects.
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