Have you been recently diagnosed with hypertension, or are you just wondering which is Best Medicine For Hypertension? Here is everything you need to know about HTN Management.
Yes, many anti-hypertensive drugs are available to treat and manage hypertension.
The choice of drugs or the drugs your doctor will place you on will depend on the degree of your hypertension, how your body responds, the drug's action, adverse effects, and other factors.
Similarly, underlying conditions like diabetes, ulcers and other diseases can also affect the choice of anti-hypertensive drugs you will be placed on.
For instance, an ulcer patient can't be placed on Aspirin. Instead, clopidogrel can be administered.
Without further Ado, we must look at what hypertension is before diving into the best medicine for hypertension.
Grab a chilled glass of water and relax as I take you through the journey.
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What Is Hypertension?
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Hypertension is the most common cardiovascular disease, and it's often referred to as a "silent killer" because it shows no symptoms.
You can have hypertension and not show any signs till it becomes severe and causes more serious problems.
However, early diagnosis and treatment of hypertension can reduce the risk of developing more serious cardiovascular conditions such as stroke or heart attack.
Hypertension varies depending on age, race, education, environment, and other factors.
A person is said to be having hypertension if the person is consistently having high blood pressure of 140/90 mmHg. However, there are certain HBP measurement ranges to determine whether you have hypertension.
A reading less than 120/80 mmHg is considered normal blood pressure, while between 120/80 mm- 139/89 mm hg is an indication of prehypertension, a reading from 140/90 mmHg to 159/99 mmHg is an indication of stage 1 hypertension and 160/100 mmHg is an indication of stage 2 hypertension.
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Causes Of Hypertension
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I'm sure this might have popped up in your mind, and you have been wondering what exactly is the cause of hypertension.
In 90% of most cases, the cause of hypertension is unknown, according to the American Heart Association.
However, some risk factors can put you at risk of developing hypertension.
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Risk factors
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●Family history: If you have a history of hypertension in your family, there is a tendency for you to might also develop hypertension
●Obesity: being overweight can put you at an increased of developing hypertension. Obesity can affect the functioning of your heart and blood vessels, therefore affecting your blood flow generally.
●Smoking: people who smoke are more at risk of developing hypertension than non-smokers
●Age; People above the age of 65 are more at risk of developing hypertension
Similarly, Some underlying health conditions can increase your risk of developing hypertension. Such conditions include;
●Kidney Disease; people with long-term kidney infections tend to develop hypertension in the long run.
●Diabetes: Most people with Diabetes end up developing hypertension as well
●Obstructive sleep Apnoea
●Lupus is a rare condition whereby the immune system attacks some body parts.
Moreso, certain medicines can increase your risk of developing hypertension as well, such Medicine include ;
●Contraceptive drugs; elevated high blood pressure can occur as a side effect of some certain contraceptive pills.
●Steroid
●Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen and naproxen can sometimes affect blood pressure.
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Treatment Of Hypertension
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Non-pharmacological and pharmacological approaches are the two ways that can be used to treat hypertension.
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Non-Pharmacological Approach
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Non-pharmacological ways of treating hypertension involve lifestyle changes.
Lifestyle changes can easily control prehypertension and High blood pressure with no risk of developing cardiovascular conditions through some lifestyle changes.
Lifestyle changes to control high blood pressure include:
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●Diet: Reduce intake of salt, eat a good balanced diet including fruits and vegetables regularly
●Exercise: Regular exercise helps to control high blood pressure and helps the cardiovascular system function well.
●Quit Smoking: Too much smoking can elevate high blood pressure and damage vital organs. Therefore, reduce or quit smoking.
●Reduce your alcohol intake
●Adequate sleep: not getting enough sleep can affect your blood pressure. Therefore getting enough sleep can help regulate your blood pressure.
●Avoid Strenuous activities
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Pharmacological Approach
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The pharmacological approach involves using medicines to regulate and control hypertension.
The pharmacological approach is usually adopted when lifestyle changes alone can't effectively treat hypertension or when you risk developing other cardiovascular conditions.
Now, let's look at some of the Best Medicine used to treat hypertension.
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1.Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACE):
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ACE inhibitors are now becoming the first choice of drug in the first-line treatment of hypertension.
It relaxes the blood vessels, reducing vascular resistance and blood pressure.
Examples of ACE include; enalapril, lisinopril, ramipril, and perindopril.
ACE inhibitors are contraindicated in people with diabetes mellitus, kidney damage, and hepatic impairment.
Similarly, it should not be taken by pregnant and lactating women.
Common side effects of Ace inhibitors are persistent cough, headaches, dizziness, loss of taste, and rashes.
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2. Angiotensin 2 Receptor Blockers
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Angiotensin 2 receptor blockers are one of the fast-growing classes of drugs used to treat hypertension.
Its mechanism of action is similar to that of ACE.
It works by blocking the binding of angiotensin 2 to Angiotensin 1 receptors, inhibiting the vascular constriction of angiotensin 2.
This class of drug is usually recommended when ACE causes serious side effects.
Common examples include; Losartan, Valsartan, Olmesartan, and Telmisartan.
Common side effects include; dizziness, headaches, and flu.
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3. Calcium Channel blockers
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This class of anti-hypertensive drugs works by widening your blood vessels, therefore regulating your blood pressure.
Examples of Calcium Channel blockers include; Amlodipine, Felodipine, and Nifedipine.
Common side effects include; swollen ankles, constipation, and headache.
However, fruits or drinks from Grape can increase the risk of side effects.
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4. Diuretics
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Diuretics work by flushing out excess water and salt. It helps to increase salt excretion.
There are different diuretics; the condition you are treating will determine which type of diuretics you will be placed on.
For instance, carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, such as acetazolamide, are used to lower intraocular pressure.
Common examples of diuretics used in the treatment of hypertension include indapamide, amiloride hydrochloride, chlorothiazide sodium, furosemide hydrochlorothiazide, indapamide, spironolactone and torsemide.
Common side effects include; dizziness, electrolyte imbalance, blurred vision, nausea, headache, increased thirst.
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5. Beta-blockers
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Beta-blockers help regulate blood pressure by making the heart beat slowly and with less force.
Beta-blockers are usually recommended when other treatments have not been effective.
Common examples are Atenolol, bisoprolol, nadolol, and penbutolol.
Common side effects include cold hands and feet, dizziness, headache, and tiredness.
Other available classes of anti-hypertensive used in the treatment of hypertension include;
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●Centrally acting blockers like clonidine hydrochloride, guanabenz acetate, and methyldopa ( Methyldopa is the safest anti-hypertensive drug for pregnant women)
●Peripherally acting blockers like doxazosin mesylate guanadrel, guanethidine prazosin hydrochloride, and reserpine.
●Vasodilators like diazoxide, fenoldopam mesylate, hydralazine hydrochloride
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Moving on, let's look at the commonly prescribed drugs for hypertension.
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Ten most commonly prescribed hypertension drugs
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Amlodipine
Amlodipine is a calcium channel blocker, and it is available in 5 and 10 mg.
It is taken once daily. The strength you will be placed on depends on how severe your blood pressure is.
Lisinopril
It belongs to the ACE inhibitors class. It is also available in 5 and 10 mg strength and is taken once daily.
Metoprolol
Metoprolol is a beta blocker, and it is formulated in quick-release and slow-release forms.
Losartan
Losartan belongs to the angiotensin 2 receptor blocker class and is used alone or in combination with other anti-hypertensive drugs.
It is usually administered to hypertensive patients with stroke risk.
Furosemide
Furosemide is a diuretic used in combination with other hypertensive drugs.
It is also used to treat edema and oliguria due to renal failure.
Hydrochlorothiazide
Hydrochlorothiazide is another diuretic used alone in mild hypertension and in combination with other anti-hypertensive drugs in severe hypertension.
It is also used to treat edema and heart failure.
Atenolol
Atenolol is a beta blocker, and it is used in managing heart failure.
It is usually taken once or twice daily.
Carvedilol
Carvedilol is another beta blocker in the form of a tablet and capsule.
The capsule is formulated as slow release, taken once daily, and the tablet form can be taken once or twice daily.
Clonidine
Clonidine is a medication from the class of central agonists. It is usually taken once or twice daily.
Spironolactone
Spironolactone is another commonly used diuretic used in managing hypertension, and it is usually designed in tablet and liquid dosage form.
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Hypertension medications FAQS
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What are the symptoms of too much blood pressure medication?
If you have taken too many anti-hypertensive drugs, you can experience the following symptoms.
●Low blood pressure
●Shock( this usually happens when your blood pressure is extremely low )
●Feeling light-headed.
●Irregular heartbeat.
It is very important to monitor your blood pressure as you take your medications constantly.
Check your blood pressure at home or in some pharmacy stores.
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Is it Safe to Stop Taking High Blood Pressure medications once you start?
Generally, hypertension is lifetime management, and some people will be placed on anti-hypertensive drugs for the rest of their life.
However, their Doctor can decide to reduce their dose or ask them to stop using it for some time if their blood pressure has been regulated.
However, stopping your medications suddenly can be dangerous to your health.
You should always consult your Doctor before making decisions and go for a regular check-up to know if your blood pressure has been regulated.
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What would happen if I'm not taking my high blood pressure drugs?
Hypertension patients not taking high blood pressure drugs is very dangerous for their health.
Uncontrolled high blood pressure can lead to more serious problems like organ damage, stroke, and even death.
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I forget to take my high blood pressure drugs.
Not taking your medication can affect your blood pressure regulation, posing serious health threats.
However, it would help if you always tried to take your medication regularly for optimal results.
More so, most high blood pressure drugs are taken once or twice daily, making them easy to adhere to.
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Final Thought
The decision to start using high blood pressure drugs should not be taken lightly because you will be on the drugs for a long time.
It is lifetime management. Drugs should not be administered in cases where hypertension with no risk of developing another cardiovascular disease can be easily and effectively regulated with lifestyle changes.
Similarly, if you have been recently diagnosed with hypertension and have been wondering which drug is best for you, consult your Doctor, and you will be placed on drugs based on your condition.
However, when taking a certain drug and experiencing serious side effects, talk to your doctor and another drug will be administered to you.
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