Sunday, October 27, 2013

High Blood Pressure Is Not Something To Be Taken Lightly. But Neither Should Lack Of Knowledge.

By Adelbert Botfield


Educating yourself on what works and what doesn't and why - can help you make better decisions for your health. Medication is the first choice of treatment when it comes to hypertension but is all medication good for you? Blood pressure medication side effects play a big part in your decision making process when choosing treatment.

There are a variety of blood pressure medications that your doctor has available to him to prescribe. These run from diuretics to exceptionally potent alpha blockers or vasodilators which come with potentially severe side effects. The type, strength and number of medications recommended for your condition will depend on just how elevated your pressure is.

This should help lower the blood pressure. This type of drug is often used to treat the less serious stage 1 high blood pressure also. However, patients with stage 2 will most likely need additional drugs which come in various forms of drugs. Below are 4 different types of drugs which you may be prescribed:

Below is a detailed list high blood pressure medication side effects and commonly used drugs: Vasodilators: this BP medication causes the blood vessels to open by relaxing the muscle in the vessel walls. Common side effects of this medication include: dizziness, hot flushes, headaches, nausea, excess hair growth, chest pains, fluid retention and heart palpitations. Diuretics: A very popular drug used for removing fluid and excess salt from the body in order allow the blood to flow easier. Common side effects associated with this type medication includes: dizziness, frequent urination, breast enlargement in men, an increase in the levels of sugar in the blood, an increased rate of cholesterol, gets rid of important nutrients such as potassium, irregular heartbeat, erectile dysfunction and menstruation irregularities.

Calcium Channel Blockers - Drugs of this nature prevent calcium from getting into the cells of the heart and blood vessels thus relaxing the blood vessels and reducing high blood pressure.

ACE Inhibitors. These drugs block the production of a hormone that causes the blood vessels to constrict allowing them to relax. Less constriction equals lower blood pressure. ACE Inhibitors include the drugs Capoten, Prinivil and Altace.

Very high blood pressure readings as with those seen in patients with stage 2 high blood pressure must be treated immediately with fast acting medication in order that readings be lowered thus reducing the risk of unpleasant complications. As stated previously the most effective way to achieve this is often with a combination of drugs.

Alternative Treatments for High Blood Pressure

Is it becoming painfully obvious that you want to avoid needing these medications?However, if you have stage 2 hypertension, you probably won't have any choice but to take one or more of these drugs as it is essential that you get your pressure lowered as quickly as possible. Stage 2 hypertension is a blood pressure reading greater than 160/100.

Each patient has a unique set of circumstances and finding the correct combination of high blood pressure medications which are most effective can sometimes take a little time. It is vital the all prescribed drugs for this condition are taken as per directions from the doctor and on a regular basis and should not be stopped under any circumstances or the consequences could be fatal!




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