There are many different kinds of medicines for high blood pressure. Some of the types are ACE inhibitors, Aldosterone antagonists, and diuretics that save potassium. Each type has its own good points and bad points. In the end, it is up to the person and his or her medical needs to decide which medications to use.
Alpha blockers are a type of medicine that lowers blood pressure. They work by stopping a chemical called norepinephrine from doing what it needs to do. Most of the time, these blockers are given with other medicines. Some people might have side effects, but most don't.
Alpha blockers can help bring down high blood pressure, but they may not work for everyone. For example, women who are pregnant or who are nursing should not take these medicines. And they should not be given to people who have problems with their liver or kidneys.
The possible side effects of these medicines are listed in a leaflet that comes with them. Some of these side effects are feeling dizzy or passing out. Among the others are stress incontinence and bladder pain. You can change the dose of your medicine if these side effects don't go away.
People with high blood pressure often take diuretics that don't get rid of potassium. Even though these pills aren't as good as other diuretics, they can still lower systolic blood pressure, which makes it easier for the heart to pump. But they may also make the blood have too much potassium.
Most of the time, diuretics that don't get rid of potassium are part of a treatment plan for high blood pressure. They can also be used with other medicines that make you pee a lot.
Even though it has been shown that they have a small effect on systolic blood pressure, they are not usually thought to be the best choice. The main reason for this is the chance of getting too much potassium in your blood. If you are taking potassium-sparing diuretics, it is important to follow your doctor's instructions and stay away from alcohol and herbal supplements that may raise your potassium levels.
Aldosterone antagonists are a group of drugs that can be used to treat heart failure, high blood pressure, and other conditions. These drugs work by stopping aldosterone, a hormone that affects the kidneys, from doing its job.
Aldosterone's action is important because it affects how blood flows and how much pressure is in the body. It also raises the level of potassium and gets rid of hydrogen.
It has been shown that blocking aldosterone helps people with heart failure. In particular, it has been shown to lessen cardiac fibrosis in hearts that have been damaged. It has also been shown to make large arteries more flexible and improve the way endothelial cells work.
Even though there have been reports of some bad effects, aldosterone antagonists are usually well tolerated. Some of the side effects are dry mouth, stomach problems, muscle weakness, and swelling. If you are taking aldosterone antagonists, you should talk to your doctor or health care provider about these side effects and the medicines you are taking.
Renin inhibitors are medicines that stop the renin-angiotensin system from working. These medicines can help keep blood pressure in check. They are also good for people who have heart disease.
In 2007, the US Food and Drug Administration gave the green light to Aliskiren, the first direct renin inhibitor. The drug is a renin inhibitor that can be taken by mouth. In addition to lowering blood pressure, it has been shown to protect the kidneys. It stops angiotensinogen from being turned into angiotensin I. This makes blood vessels relax, which lets more blood flow through them.
There are plans to make more renin inhibitors. Even though the way these medicines work is likely to be different, they could have a lot of promise for protecting the kidneys. But longer-term studies are needed to figure out how these treatments help with different kidney diseases.
Even though there are no renin inhibitors on the market right now, some clinical data show that they work well. These results are based on two rat models that look at how stopping the renin system protects organs.
Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors are a type of medicine used to treat both high blood pressure and heart failure. This kind of medicine helps the blood vessels to relax. It also makes the body less full of water.
Most of the time, ACE inhibitors are taken as a tablet once a day. The dose of an ACE inhibitor can vary based on the type of drug that is being given. Most of the time, it's best to take the pill on an empty stomach.
Before a person takes an ACE inhibitor, they should be told about any side effects that could happen. These can include anything from headaches to feeling dizzy. But the effects are usually not that big. The best way to keep your health from getting worse is to take these medicines as directed.
ACE inhibitors can sometimes lead to problems with the kidneys. During the first few months of treatment, your doctor may take some of your blood to check on how well your kidneys are working. Your medicine will be changed or stopped if your kidneys start to get sick.