Medication for Hypertension

Sometimes, changing your lifestyle is not enough to lower your blood pressure. In such cases, medications may be needed.

There are different types of hypertension medication, that work in different ways. In determining the drug of choice, your doctor will take into account a variety of factors: Your age, medical background, race, gender, etc.

Doctors will often recommend a combination of drugs for hypertension. Studies have shown that in order to reach their ideal blood pressure, most people need to take two or more different types of medication.

Sometimes, it may take some experimenting to identify the best form of medication, which will lower blood pressure with minimal side effects.

Medication is more effective when combined with lifestyle changes, such as eating habits, stress management, exercise and weight loss.

20% of patients do not respond positively to any type of medication-based treatment.

Types of Medications

There are eight types of medications for the treatment of hypertension:

• Diuretics - Commonly known as "water pills", reduce the amount of body fluids.
   
• Beta blockers - Work to lower your heart beat.
   
• Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE) Inhibitors - Repress the production of angiotensin, which narrows the blood vessels.
   
• Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers - Block the action of angiotensin.
   
• Calcium Channel Blockers - Block the calcium channels in the muscle cells of the artery walls.
   
• Alpha blockers - Reduce the stimulating effect of the hormone norepinepherine on the muscles of the smaller arteries.
   
• Central Acting Agents - Prevent brain signals from speeding your heart rate and narrowing your arteries.
   
• Direct Vasodilators - Prevent the tightening of muscles in the artery walls.
   

Many drugs used to treat high BP have been linked to erectile dysfunction - mainly diuretics and beta-blockers.