What You Need To Know About Blood Pressure Medication


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Have you tried changing your lifestyle to control your blood pressure only to find it isn't helping very much? Sometimes lifestyle changes alone aren't enough and need to be combined with blood pressure medication.

There are several different kinds of blood pressure medications available on the market today. Much of the time your doctor will prescribe two different medications instead of just one. Here is a list of some of the main blood pressure medications available today:

• Alpha-Blockers: This medicine reduces nerve impulses to your blood vessels allowing easier flowing of the blood making your blood pressure decrease.

• Alpha-Beta-Blockers: These work just like the alpha-blockers but also slow your heart beat. This means less blood pumps through your vessels making your blood pressure decrease.

• Nervous System Inhibitors: This medication relaxes your blood vessels by controlling the nerve impulses making your vessels wider and decreasing blood pressure.

• Beta-Blockers: These reduce your nerve impulses to your heart and blood vessels, making your heart beat decrease while dropping your blood pressure.

• Diuretics: These are also known as 'water pills,' a very common medication. These diuretics work in your kidney, flushing out all excess sodium along with water from your body.

• Vasodilators: These open your blood vessels directly by relaxing the muscle in your vessel walls which then causes your blood pressure to decrease.

• ACE Inhibitors: ACE stands for 'Angiotensin converting enzyme.' These inhibitors prevent a hormone called angiotensin II from forming, which will usually cause your blood vessels to narrow. They help the vessels relax which makes your blood pressure decrease.

• Angiotensin Antagonists: These block your blood vessels from angiotensin II. When blocked these vessels can widen letting your blood pressure decrease.

• Calcium Channel Blockers: These keep any calcium from entering your heart's muscle cells and your blood vessels causing your blood pressure to decrease.

A possible alternate to having to take medication is watching a few lifestyle habits. For instance a healthy diet can help control your blood pressure. Reduce your salt intake and substitute other seasonings. Add lots of fresh fruits and vegetables to your diet, especially green leafy vegetables such as spinach and kale.

Try to get at least thirty minutes of physical activity or exercise every day. You don't have to do it all at once. Ten minutes here and there is just as effective.

Keep your stress level at a minimum. High stress will increase your blood pressure. Find something you enjoy doing and that relaxes you, this will help you control your stress levels. Then make the time to do it whenever you find yourself stressed out, this in turn will help you control your blood pressure.

Cut back on tobacco use and alcohol consumption. Quitting is much more beneficial but isn't always easy. There are many resources and products available to help you quit either one or both of these habits.

Sometimes these lifestyle changes alone will not work alone. Your doctor may need to prescribe a blood pressure medication. Talk with your doctor to find out what would be better for you and your blood pressure. Ask any questions you may have and if you are taking other medications be sure to inform your doctor. Some medications including oral contraceptives and cold medicines can effect your blood pressure.

Copyright © Neil Harper
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