High blood pressure is also termed hypertension. It results in a lot of force exerted on arteries as the blood gets pumped through. It damages the blood vessels, and other organs get forced to bear the stress. Assessing blood pressure can be done on two parameters – diastolic and systolic pressures. This is the minimum and maximum pressure exerted in the vessels and arteries between the cardiac contractions. In young adults, blood pressure is normal when systolic pressure (top number) is from 90 to 120 and diastolic pressure (bottom number) is from 60 to 80. When these numbers are not in the recommended range, blood pressure can dip or spike, resulting in medical complications. For people with low or high blood pressure problems, medicines are required to regulate blood pressure. Here are the most common types of blood pressure medications:
1) Diuretics
Diuretics assist the body in reducing excessive sodium and water. It controls high blood pressure and is often used in combination with other prescription therapies.
2) ACE Inhibitors
Angiotensin is the chemical that causes arteries to become narrowed, particularly in the kidneys. ACE is derived from the Angiotensin-converting enzyme. The inhibitors help your body make less angiotensin. As a result, it helps blood vessels relax, thereby lowering blood pressure.
3) Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers
. Angiotensin requires a receptor-like chemical “slot” that fits into or binds with the blood vessel. These drugs block receptors for the angiotensin, keeping blood vessels open, and that’s how blood pressure gets reduced.
4) Calcium Channel Blockers
When calcium enters the artery cells, it causes a harder and stronger contraction. This drug stops calcium from entering the smooth muscle cells of arteries, making it easier for the heart to pump blood and widens blood vessels. This lowers blood pressure.
5) Alpha-2 Receptor Agonists
These drugs reduce hypertension by decreasing central and peripheral sympathetic overflow. . Methyldopa is the first line antihypertensive for pregnant people as its adverse effects are infrequent in the development of the fetus.
6) Combined Alpha and Beta-Blockers
These medicines are used as an IV drip for patients who experience hypertensive crises. Doctors prescribe it to patients with higher chances of heart failure too.
7) Central Agonists
Central agonists help decrease the ability of the blood vessels to contract. It’s one of the best blood pressure medications.
8) Peripheral Adrenergic Inhibitors
These drugs lower blood pressure by inhibiting neurotransmitters in your brain. This prevents the smooth muscles from constricting in response to the message. These medicines are seldom used or only used when other treatments have failed to assist.
Some of these high blood pressure medicines – such as angiotensin II receptor blockers and ACE inhibitors – should never be taken during pregnancy because they can damage both the pregnant person and the growing fetus. Consult the team of Rite Choice Pharmacy to learn more about blood pressure medications.
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