All About Blood Pressure
Medication
Overview On Different Types Of Blood Pressure Medication
Have you made an effort to modify your lifestyle to help
your blood pressure but find that it is not very helpful?
Sometimes, lifestyle modification alone isn’t as effective
as when combined with blood pressure medication.
Today, there are many different kinds of blood pressure medications
out there available. Usually two different medications are
used rather than one alone. Now, let’s look at some
of the main blood pressure medications:
1. Alpha-Blockers: This medicine is known
to reduce nerve impulses to your blood vessels which allow
easier flowing of the blood making your blood pressure decrease.
2. Alpha-Beta-Blockers: These work just
like the alpha-blockers but will also slow your heart beat.
This means less blood pumps through your vessels hence decreasing
your blood pressure.
3. Nervous System Inhibitors: This medication
relaxes your blood vessels by controlling the nerve impulses
and helps making your vessels wider and decreasing blood pressure.
4. Beta-Blockers: These types of medicines
will reduce your nerve impulses to your heart and blood vessels,
making your heart beat decrease while dropping your blood
pressure.
5. Diuretics: These are also known as 'water
pills,' which is a very common medication. These diuretics
work in your kidney, flushing out all excess sodium along
with water from your body.
6. Vasodilators: These medicines will open
your blood vessels directly by relaxing the muscle in your
vessel walls which then causes your blood pressure to decrease.
7. ACE Inhibitors: ACE stands for 'Angiotensin
converting enzyme.' These inhibitors will work to prevent
a hormone called angiotensin II from forming, which will usually
cause your blood vessels to narrow. When your vessels are
relaxed, your blood pressure will decrease.
8. Angiotensin Antagonists: These help to block your blood
vessels from angiotensin II. When blocked, these vessels can
widen letting your blood pressure decrease.
9. Calcium Channel Blockers: These medicines
work to keep any calcium from entering your heart's muscle
cells and your blood vessels causing your blood pressure to
decrease.
Other than medication, you should watch your lifestyle habits.
A healthy diet will also help to control your blood pressure.
Replace salt for other seasonings and add lots of fresh fruits
and vegetables to your diet.
Besides, you should get at least thirty minutes of physical
activity or exercise a day. It does not mean you have to exercise
thirty minutes all at once. Ten minutes here and there is
just as effective.
Always try to keep your stress at bay. High stress can increase
your blood pressure so you should find a way that relaxes
you and helps you de-stress. Do this whenever you find yourself
stressed out beyond your means.
Quit smoking and drinking if you have the habit. There are
many resources and products available to help you quit either
these vices.
When lifestyle medication alone is not enough, your doctor
might prescribe you a blood pressure medication if not two.
So, consult your doctor to find out what works best for you
and your blood pressure.
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