There are many types of drugs to treatonI have high blood pressure. Drug-medicine which are included in the list of high blood pressure drugs have different ways of working. Patients with hypertension who regularly consume high blood pressure medication need to know the types, ways of working, and side effects of these drugs.
Normal blood pressure is blood pressure that is at 120/80 mmHg or slightly below that number. A person can be said to have high blood pressure or hypertension if his blood pressure is at a value of 130/80 mmHg or more.
Hypertension can appear without symptoms and is often only detected during routine health checks (check up). Untreated high blood pressure can lead to a number of complications, such as heart disease, kidney damage, and stroke.
High blood pressure is caused by a combination of several factors, namely old age, heredity, and an unhealthy lifestyle, such as consuming too much salt, lack of exercise, frequent stress, or smoking.
In addition, certain conditions or diseases, such as obesity, diabetes, high cholesterol, to hormonal disorders, can also cause high blood pressure.
List of High Blood Pressure Medications Bisa you choose
In order to treat hypertension and keep blood pressure stable, doctors will advise patients to make lifestyle improvements, such as:
- Live a healthy diet by reducing salt intake and increasing consumption of fruits and vegetables.
- Increase physical activity and exercise regularly.
- Lose weight if you are obese and maintain an ideal body weight.
- Reduce consumption of caffeinated drinks, such as coffee, tea, or soft drinks.
- Quit smoking.
- Reduce alcohol consumption.
- Reduce stress by doing relaxation.
- Enough sleep.
However, if lifestyle improvements do not succeed in lowering blood pressure, the doctor will prescribe drugs to lower high blood pressure. While taking the drug, the patient must of course continue to apply a healthy lifestyle.
These high blood pressure drugs are quite diverse and are divided into several types, namely:
1. Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE inhibitors)
ACE inhibitor It works by inhibiting the production of the hormone angiotensin, a hormone that can constrict blood vessels. With this drug, the muscles of the blood vessel walls will relax and widen slightly, so that the pressure on the blood vessels is reduced.
ACE inhibitor usually given to patients aged over 65 years or hypertensive patients who have other medical conditions, such as heart disease, heart failure, kidney disorders, and diabetes.
Examples of drugs ACE inhibitor The most commonly used are captopril, enalapril, lisinopril, perindopril, and ramipril. Side effects of drugs ACE inhibitor These include dry cough, headache, dizziness, hyperkalemia, and skin rash.
This high blood pressure drug can also increase the risk of abnormalities or defects in the fetus if consumed by pregnant women.
2. Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs)
ARBs have almost the same effect as ACE inhibitorHowever, the way these two drug classes work is different. ARBs block the action of the hormone angiotensin, which constricts blood vessels, so that blood vessels can be widened so that blood circulation runs smoothly while lowering blood pressure.
Usually doctors will prescribe this drug to patients who are not suitable for hypertension drug class ACE inhibitor. Examples of ARB drugs are candesartan, irbesartan, losartan, valsartan, and olmesartan.
High blood pressure drugs of the ARB class have several side effects, such as dizziness, headaches, and an increased risk of fetal death in the womb.
3. Beta blockers
Beta blockers It works by blocking the effects of the hormones epinephrine or adrenaline, which are hormones that play a role in increasing blood flow and pressure. Because of this effect, class drugs beta blockers It can make the heart beat slower and lower blood pressure.
In addition to lowering blood pressure, this class of drugs can also be used to treat heart rhythm disorders (arrhythmias), heart failure, heart disease, and hyperthyroidism.
Examples of drugs beta blockers or beta blockers are atenolol, bisoprolol, and metoprolol. Side effects that are often experienced after taking this drug are dizziness, headache, nausea, fatigue, difficulty sleeping, and shortness of breath.
Therefore, the use of drugs beta blockers may need to be avoided by hypertensive patients who have asthma.
4. Calcium channel blockers (CCB)
Calcium is a mineral that has a role to increase the strength of the heart muscle and blood vessels. CCBs work by blocking the entry of calcium into the heart muscle and blood vessel walls, thereby making the cells of the heart and blood vessels relax and relax. This effect makes blood pressure decrease.
This drug is usually given at the same time as beta blockers. Examples of CCB drugs are amlodipine, nicardipine, diltiazem, verapamil, and nifedipine.
Just like other types of high blood pressure drugs, CCBs also cause side effects. Some of the side effects that can arise from the use of CCBs are headaches, swollen legs, chest palpitations, and constipation.
5. Diuretics
Diuretics work by removing excess water and sodium in the body, so that the amount of fluid and salt that flows in the blood vessels decreases. This effect can cause a decrease in blood pressure.
Examples of diuretic drugs are furosemide, torsemide, spironolactone, and hydrochlorothiazide. Diuretic drugs can cause side effects such as dizziness, frequent thirst, more frequent urination, muscle cramps, dehydration, skin rashes, and the appearance of gout symptoms.
6. Nitrates
Nitrates function to dilate blood vessels, so that blood flow to the heart increases and the heart does not pump blood more vigorously. Usually, doctors will only prescribe this medicine when the medicine beta blockers and CCBs do not work effectively or in hypertensive patients who have a heart attack.
Types of nitrate drugs are isosorbide dinitrate, isosorbide mononitrate, and glyceryl trinitrate. This nitrate high blood pressure drug can cause side effects such as dizziness, facial flushing, nausea, hypotension, and an uncomfortable feeling in the mouth.
7. Alpha blockers
This high blood pressure drug works by blocking the action of the hormone norepinephrine, which can constrict blood flow and make muscles contract. Drug class alpha blockers can make blood vessel muscles relax, so blood pressure decreases.
class of drugs alpha blockers are generally not the primary drug of choice for high blood pressure. This drug is usually given to hypertensive patients who also have other medical conditions, such as benign prostate enlargement (BPH) and peripheral artery disease.
Examples of drugs that fall into the class alpha blockers These are terazosin, prazosin, and tamsulosin. Drug side effects alpha blockers are dizziness and orthostatic hypotension, which is a decrease in blood pressure when the body position changes.
The selection of the type and dose of high blood pressure medication needs to be adjusted to the condition of each patient. That is why, people with hypertension need to consult a doctor first to determine which type of high blood pressure medication is suitable and safe to use according to their condition.
In addition, people with hypertension are also advised to check their blood pressure regularly at home with a sphygmomanometer and regularly check with the doctor to monitor the effectiveness of treatment in controlling blood pressure.