Hypertension Medications

What Is Hypertension? 

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, silently affects countless patients across the country – it is also known as the “silent killer.” High blood pressure can lead to everything from heart failure to conditions like strokes. It is the leading cause of cardiovascular disease in the United States, and people of all ages can be affected by hypertension.

Here we will be looking at what medications are available to sufferers of hypertension, so that you can receive the proper treatment for your high blood pressure as quickly as possible.

What Are The Symptoms and Causes of Hypertension?

Hypertension usually has no signs or symptoms. Physicians can often identify the underlying cause of hypertension in 95 percent of all cases. Overweight individuals, those who drink more than two drinks a day, inactive people, and smokers are at the highest risk.

Hypertension may lead to:

• Shortness of Breath
• Frequent Headaches and Migraines
• Nosebleeds
• Chest Pain
• Eyesight Issues
• Heart Arrhythmia
• A Pounding Sensation In Your Ears, Chest, or Neck.

These symptoms are the most common, but many sufferers have hypertension for years without noticing any problems in their bodies. The only reliable way to know you do not have high blood pressure is to monitor your blood pressure constantly. This could mean regular check-ups at the doctor or checking your blood pressure at home.

In some cases, high blood pressure can lead to dire issues such as kidney failure, problems with memory or understanding, eye disease, and even aneurysms. Check your blood pressure regularly to avoid developing more severe conditions.

If you do have hypertension, you will likely need medication. Read on to learn about the different hypertension medications below.

---

Related: High Blood Pressure Symptoms in Women Vs Men

---

What Are Some Common Blood Pressure Medications?

High blood pressure is a condition that is treatable using a range of different solutions. Here is a high blood pressure medications list to help guide you;

• Diuretics
• Angiotensin-converting Enzyme (ACE) Inhibitors 
• Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers (ARBs)
• Calcium Channel Blockers
• Beta-blockers
• Renin Inhibitors

Let’s take a closer look at each with a more comprehensive breakdown of these hypertension medications. 

Diuretics

Water pills, or diuretics, are the most commonly prescribed medication to treat hypertension. They help you flush excess water and sodium from the body. The decreased amount of fluid flowing through your blood vessels immensely reduces the pressure on vessel walls. 

More severe cases of high blood pressure are typically given a course of diuretics combined with other hypertension medications. Three main types of diuretics are commonly prescribed, with each fitting a different degree of hypertension.

• Thiazide
• Loop
• Potassium-Sparing

Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme (ACE) Inhibitors

The hormone angiotensin amasses in the blood vessels causing them to narrow. ACE inhibitors prevent this process, relaxing pressure on the blood vessels and vessel walls. 

The most common ACE inhibitor hypertension medications include:

• Vasotec
• Prinivil
• Zestril
• Altace

Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers (ARBs)

Instead of blocking the formation of blood-vessel narrowing angiotensin, ARBs stop the action instead. 

The most common ARBs prescribed are:

• Diovan
• Cozaar
• Avapro
• Benicar
• Micardis
• Edarbi

Calcium Channel Blockers

Hypertension medications based on calcium channel blockers help relax blood vessel muscle cells and heart cells by blocking the passage of calcium. When calcium cannot enter the heart and blood vessels, blood pressure drops quickly and steadily. 

The most common calcium channel blocker hypertension medications are:

• Norvasc
• Cardizem
• Tiazac
• Adalat CC
• Afeditab CR
• Procardia

Beta-Blockers

Beta-blockers are also called beta-adrenergic blocking agents. These hypertension medications lower your heart rate and thus lower blood pressure by blocking the effects of epinephrine. This hormone is also known as adrenaline. 

The most commonly prescribed beta-blockers are:

• Lopressor
• Toprol XL
• Corgard
• Tenormin
• Inderal

Renin Inhibitors

The kidneys produce an enzyme called renin which can cause a chain reaction that steadily worsens hypertension. 

The most common renin inhibitor hypertension medications include:

• Tekturna (aliskiren)

Getting a Regular Check-Up

You must check your blood pressure frequently. There are affordable machines you can buy at most pharmacies, so you can do it at home. Many pharmacies also offer blood pressure readings for free. If you see that you have high blood pressure, it is crucial to make an appointment with a doctor so you can begin a treatment plan. Hypertension can be fatal if left untreated.

Consistently high-stress levels, smoking, and other unhealthy lifestyle habits, such as excessive drinking, all raise hypertension risk. Cutting down or eliminating any bad habits may be the first step to reducing your blood pressure.

Get Hypertension Medications Online

If you have high blood pressure and aren’t sure which of the hypertension medications above is right for you, or simply prefer to get hypertension medication online without the hassle of the doctor’s office, consider trying one of our trusted, board-certified online doctors. Our doctors can diagnose your hypertension and prescribe you the necessary medication online. That physician will then send your prescription to your local pharmacy, so pick-up is easy for you.

When it’s time for an online prescription refill, we can help you there too. Meet with one of our doctors online today to discuss your blood pressure results, and go over your symptoms to see if you qualify for hypertension medication.

---

Read More About Hypertension

• Causes of Hypertension
• Hypertension Symptoms
• High Blood Pressure Treatment

---