Blood Pressure Medications
There are millions of people who suffer from hypertension, otherwise known as high blood pressure. This condition often goes undetected and can prove to be fatal causing heart attacks and strokes - two of the biggest killers in the western world - as well as kidney failure and many other health problems. Thankfully doctors can prescribe high blood pressure medications these days which help to lower the blood pressure to safe levels thus avoiding these major health problems.
The most important thing that anyone taking high blood pressure medications must ensure is that they are taken correctly. It is imperative that they are taken exactly as prescribed by the doctor. Something which may not seem too important but which is also vital is that high blood pressure medications are taken at the same time each day - usually first thing in the morning, and under no circumstances should you stop taking them unless you have been advised to do so by your doctor.
There are a vast array of medications available for doctors to prescribe and it may take a bit of time before you find one which works for you. The four main groups of high blood pressure medications which your doctor my prescribe and how they work to lower blood pressure is explained below:
a. Sympathetic Nerve Inhibitors - There are nerves which go to all parts of the body including the arteries from the brain called sympathetic nerves, these can cause the arteries to constrict thus causing the blood pressure to be raised. This medication reduces the blood pressure by not allowing the arteries to be constricted.
b. Diuretics - It is a well known fact that too much salt can increase the blood pressure. This medication helps the body get rid of any extra fluid and sodium in the body, thus preventing fluid retention and too much sodium building up.
c. ACE(Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme) Inhibitors - Angiotensin is a substance in our bodies which helps the arteries to constrict which is exactly what we do not want if we have high blood pressure. This high blood pressure medication inhibits the bodies production of the chemical angiotensin thus reducing the blood pressure reading.
d. Beta-Blockers - The simple explanation is that this group of medicines reduces the rate at which the heart beats and therefore the rate at which blood is pumped round the circulatory system therefore reducing the blood pressure.
If you have high blood pressure taking the medication prescribed is only one thing you can do to improve your reading. Take a long hard look at your lifestyle and diet. Changing the way you live your life by doing something as simple as finding a method of relaxation to ease stress which suits you can really help. Some simple changes to your diet can also make a world of difference.
It is your body, you have to work hard at keeping it healthy and reducing your blood pressure.