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Common High Blood Pressure Medications - Know These 8 Types
There are eight common medications used to treat high blood pressure. While many people
dealing with hypertension will possibly be prescribed a combination of a variety of these
medications, the amount of medication needed depends greatly on the type and the level of
severity of the illness.
While antihypertensive medicines are used to lower blood pressure to normal levels,
medications should always be used in combination with a healthy lifestyle change. The main
objectives of high blood pressure medications are to not only lower blood pressure but to
minimize the side effects caused by some of the medicines.
Diuretics
Water pills are used to remove excess salt from the body. The increase in salt in a person’s
body causes the blood vessels to retain more fluid than needed. The release of excess fluid
in blood vessels, takes a strain off the vessels and arteries.
Examples: Thalitone, Lasix, Esidrix, Lozol, Dyazide, and Maxzide.
Beta-Blockers
Beta-Blockers are used to reduce the amount of blood pressure flowing through the body,
by slowing the heart rate down, it allows for an optimal flow of blood throughout the vessels.
Examples: Sectral, Tenormin, Coreg, Lopressor, Toprol, Corgard, Inderal and Blocadren.
ACE Inhibitors (Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors)
The hormone Angiotensin II can cause the blood vessels to narrow; ACE inhibitors stop that
hormone from production.
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Examples: Lotensin, Vasotec, Prinivil, Zestril, Accupril, Altace, and Mavik.
ARBs (Angiotensin II receptor blockers)
This medication defends blood vessels from narrowing affects from angiotensin II.
Examples: Atacand, Avapro, Cozaar, Benicar, Micardis, and Diovan.
CCBs (Calcium channel blockers)
Calcium entering from the body’s cells can cause blood vessels to constrict, CCB’s stop that
from happening.
Examples: Norvasc, Car