Hypertension - pharmacological treatment

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Among the drugs for hypertension there are beta-blockers and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors. They can also be used in people after myocardial infarction. Other blood pressure reducing agents include angiotensin II receptor antagonists, calcium antagonists and diuretics.

What does the choice of medication for hypertension depend on?

Six main groups of drugs are used in the treatment of hypertension. The preparation recommended by the doctor depends on the patient's age, gender and accompanying diseases. Before choosing a blood pressure relieving agent, the specialist conducts an interview on the medications taken. If your blood pressure is only slightly elevated, your doctor will usually prescribe one medication. Where measurements show high results, two or more preparations shall be used.

Beta-blockers

Beta-blockers (or beta-blockers) are drugs that reduce blood pressure and slow the heart rate. They are recommended for patients after myocardial infarction.

Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors

Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, apart from lowering blood pressure, also improve heart rate. They can therefore be used in people who have had a heart attack. They usually do not cause side effects in the form of erectile dysfunction. However, dry cough may be a side effect of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors.

Angiotensin receptor II antagonists

Angiotensin II receptor antagonists act similarly to angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors. They block the action of angiotensin receptors, which means that they cannot be combined with them. This prevents an increase in blood pressure. Unlike inhibitors, antagonists don't cause coughing.

Calcium antagonists

Calcium antagonists are designed to inhibit the flow of calcium ions to muscle cells, including the heart muscle. This causes the pressure to drop. Some preparations from this group accelerate the heart rate, others slow it down, and others have no effect on the heart rate.

Diuretics - diuretics - diuretics

Diuretics, or diuretics, allow you to get rid of sodium and water from your body. In this way, they reduce blood pressure values. They are used in hypertension and heart failure. It is worth knowing that most diuretics reduce the concentration of potassium in the blood. This makes it necessary to supplement this element. A small amount of pharmacological agents from this group increases potassium levels.

Alpha-adrenolytics

Alpha-blockers are drugs that expand the arteries. They are now less frequently used than in previous years. Doctors prescribe it to men who suffer from mild prostate hypertension in addition to hypertension. These measures improve the flow of urine.