WHAT ARE THE TREATMENTS FOR HYPERTENSIOIN (HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE)?

* Be aware that the recommended treatments of illnesses are always being improved. This website was last update on 11/1/2024. The best treatment option MIGHT have changed since that time.

ACE Inhibitors: * Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme inhibitor drugs include Benazepril (Lotensin), Captopril (Capoten), Enalapril/Enalaprilat (Vasotec oral and injectable), Fosinopril (Monopril), Lisinopril (Zestril and Prinivil).

ARBS: * Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers include: Azilsartan (Edarbi), Candesartan (Atacand), Eprosartan, Irbesartan (Avapro), Losartan (Cozaar), Olmesartan (Benicar),Telmisartan (Micardis), And Valsartan (Diovan).

Calcium Channel Blockers: * Amlodipine (Norvasc), Diltiazem (Cardizem, Tiazac, others), Felodipine, Isradipine, Nicardipine, Nifedipine (Procardia), Nisoldipine (Sular), Verapamil (Calan SR, Verelan)

Diuretics: * Chlorothiazide, Chlorthalidone, Hydrochlorothiazide, and Indapamide.

Beta Blockers * can be used with certain people with a particular type of heart problem. These include Atenolol (Tenormin), Bisoprolol (Cardicor or Emcor), Carvedilol (Coreg), Labetalol (Trandate), Metoprolol (Betaloc or Lopresor), Propranolol ( Inderal or Angilol), and Sotalol.

CAUTION:

1. All medications have a risk of side effects.
2. Mild side effects are LIGHT HEADEDNESS, DIZZINESS, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, itching, and light skin rash.
3. Possible Severe side effects are a severe skin rash, an anaphylactic allergic reaction (leading to the inability to breathe and subsequent death if not treated rapidly), and Clostridioides difficile infection (C. Diff.) of the colon.
4. Medications such as creams, lotions, and gels should be tested in small dosages in areas of the body that are not easily seen.

Consult “Epocrates.com” for each Specific Medication’s possible “Adverse Reactions.” Side effects are also referred to as “Adverse Reactions.” Epocrates.com will tell you both “common reactions” and “serious reactions.” You will have to create an account, but it is simple, fast, and free.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE (HYPERTENSION)?

Usually Hypertension (high blood pressure) has no symptoms. However, if a person’s blood pressure is extremely high they might also experience a severe headache or a nosebleed.

WHAT CAUSES HYPERTENSION (HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE)?

The exact cause of Hypertension (high blood pressure) is not known. What is known that usually the arterial system is constricted in some way. Some people believe that the part of arterial system that is most effected are the tiniest arteries called the arterioles. Arterioles are about 0.3-.01 millimeter, this is smaller than a strand of hair.

HOW IS HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE (HYPERTENSION) DIAGNOSED?

High blood pressure is diagnosis by having at least two elevated blood pressures, occurring at a different time or day, that is greater than 120/80. However, for most people (excluding diabetics) their blood pressure is usually (NOT) treated until their blood pressure is greater than 130/90. In addition, if their is a danger of a person falling as a results of too low a blood pressure (hypotension), they are not treated unless their blood pressure is greater than 140/90.