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The common drugs used to treat HBP

The 6 common class of medication used to control high blood pressure include:

ACE Inhibitors: ACE or Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme inhibitors are drugs that are responsible for working on a hormone known as angiotensin II. This hormone causes the narrowing of the blood vessels causing an increase in the blood pressure. Ace inhibitors reduce the amount of angiotensin II in the body thereby widening the blood vessels and reducing the pressure on the arterial walls. Ace inhibitors also remove the extra sodium and water from the body through urine so they are often used in lieu of diuretics and in combination with other antihypertensive medication.

Diuretics: Diuetics are also known as water pills because they help in the removal of sodium and fluids from the body through urination. By removing the excess water they make the blood vessels of the heart hold less fluids and reduce the pressure on them. Diuretics are used in the initial stages of high blood pressure and they are always used in combination with other medication. Because Diuretics increase the frequency of urination and purge liquids from the body, people on this medication have a strong urge to urinate often and also feel very thirsty.

Calcium Chanel Blockers: Also known as CCB’s or calcium antagonist as the name suggests they lower the blood pressure by preventing the entry of calcium into the arteries which in turn stops the narrowing of these blood vessels. Thee drugs can be used alone or in conjunction with some of the other high blood pressure drugs

Beta Blockers: Beta Blockers impact the functioning of the heart and they reduce the blood pressure by regulating the heart rate. Beta receptors are a naturally occurring substance in our body and the stimulation if this substance often leads to an increased heart rate and consequently an increased blood pressure. Beta blockers are used to block the beta receptors. These drugs are also administered in combination with other antihypertensive medication. These drugs not only lower high blood pressure but also lower the risk of heart attack, stroke, and other heat related disorders.

Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers: These drugs are also called ARB’s; their effect is the same as the one produced through the administration of ACE inhibitors. Like the name suggests the block angiotensin receptor and help to increase the internal diameter of the blood vessels reducing the pressure on their walls. These drugs are generally used by people who cannot use ACE inhibitors due to their adverse effects. Like the other drugs ARB inhibitors can also be used alone or in combination with one of the other drugs.

Alpha Blockers: The effect of Alpha blockers is the same as those of Beta blockers; however, the receptor they block are different. These drugs affect the muscles so they are responsible for preventing blood vessel constriction and keeping the inner diameter of the blood vessels widened. The blood that flows through the wider arteries exerts less pressure on the arterial walls; reducing the blood pressure.

All of the above drugs are potent in controlling high blood pressure but each of them uses a different principle to lower blood pressure. These drugs are either used alone or in combination with some of the other drugs in the above list. It is seldom possible to lower the blood pressure with the use of a singular drug. In about one third of the cases three or more drugs are used in combination to get the blood pressure down. Depending on your age, condition and race the doctor will prescribe an appropriate combination for you.