High blood pressure usually occurs without any warning signs or symptoms. You don’t actually feel it at any point in time. This condition is usually found during a routine check. At that point, it is no surprise that it has been around for quite some time.
But over time, it places constant pressure on your blood vessels, your heart, and your overall health. That is the main reason why treatment for blood pressure is very important. And in most cases, your provider will recommend blood pressure medication to you.
Let’s look at some of the different types of blood pressure medications available, and how your doctor will choose the right ones for you.
Are Blood Pressure Medications Right For You
First, understand that blood pressure is a force that presses your blood against the artery walls. This pressure fluctuates throughout the day. But when it is chronically high, it causes strain to your blood vessels. In the long run, it harms your vessels, reduces their flexibility, and makes them more susceptible to blockage.
In extreme cases, blood pressure can suddenly shoot up above 180/120, leading to a medical emergency with organ damage or even death.
There is a wide range of drugs that can be used to control high blood pressure. Your provider doesn’t give blood pressure medication just like that. It is usually prescribed when your risk of damage is considered to be higher than the benefit of waiting.
If you have any of the following situations, your doctor will advise you to take BP meds:
- Your blood pressure is always 140/90mmHg or more
- You have diabetes or kidney disease
- You have had a heart attack or stroke
- Your readings are 130/80+ with a high risk of cardiovascular disease
You can delay or avoid medications in case you have a mildly elevated BP with no other health problems.
Common Types of Medicine for High Blood Pressure
Below are some of the common types of blood pressure medicines, and you should be familiar with their desired effects and side effects. Do not stop taking a medication or change your dose without talking to your provider first.
1. Diuretics:
Diuretics are also known as water pills. They are usually among the first options doctors think of. They keep your blood pressure in check. Diuretics allow your body to get rid of excess salt and water through urine. When the amount of fluid decreases, the pressure in your blood vessels goes down.
Diuretics come in various types and are normally combined with other drugs. Most of the people said that they need to urinate more often, particularly within the first weeks of taking diuretics. That’s totally expected. This is why your provider would normally advise you to take the diuretics in the morning instead of at night.
It is usually sold under the names of Indapamide, Hydrochlorothiazide, Metolazone, Furosemide, Amiloride, or Bumetanide.
If you are on diuretics, you may see side effects like:
- Excess urination
- Dry mouth or thirsty
- Electrolyte Imbalances like Low sodium or potassium
- Low potassium can cause muscle cramps
- Dizziness
- Headaches
- High Blood sugar (sometimes)
- High Uric acid (sometimes)
- Kidney function changes
- Allergic reactions
2. ACE Inhibitors
ACE inhibitors are also among the most frequently prescribed and most extensively studied drugs for lowering high blood pressure. The work deeper by targeting your hormonal system that controls blood pressure. They stop the formation of angiotensin, a hormone that causes blood vessels to contract. This way, your blood vessels relax and dilate, thus reducing your blood pressure.
Your healthcare professional will probably recommend these to you if you also suffer from diabetes or have kidney issues. Some of the typical ACE inhibitors are Ramipril, Enalapril, Perindopril, Lisinopril, Benazepril, Quinapril, or Captopril.
Some of the real side effects include:
- Dry Cough (Most Common)
- Dizziness
- Low blood pressure
- Kidney function change (Less common)
- Face or Tongue swelling
- Fatigue
It is best to take the medication at the same time every day. You can also take this medication with or without food. Pregnant women should not use ACE inhibitors as they can be dangerous for the baby. If you are on any of these medications and suspect that you are expecting, immediately discontinue use and consult your doctor right away.
3. ARBs
ARBs are similar to ACE inhibitors but work differently. They do not prevent the production of the angiotensin hormone, but prevent its impact on your blood vessels.
ARBs can be used as the best alternative to ACE inhibitors, particularly if you are experiencing side effects like a dry cough.
They are commonly used in long-term treatment plans. They not only lower your BP but also protect your kidneys, particularly in the case of diabetes, and lessen the risk of heart disease.
Some of the common ARBs available in the market include Losartan, Valsartan, Telmisartan, and Irbesartan.
They have fewer side effects compared to the ACE inhibitors, some of them may include:
- High Potassium Levels
- Kidney damage
- Rare allergic reactions
- Very rarely, swelling
4. Calcium Channel Blockers
Calcium helps in the contraction of your blood vessels. These calcium channel blockers help vessels to decrease this effect by keeping your vessels open and relaxed.
This blood pressure medicine even has the ability to control your heart rhythm. There are several kinds of calcium channel blockers, namely:
- Dihydropyridines work to relax your arteries. It is used for lowering your BP. Some of them are Amlodipine, Nifedipine, or Felodipine.
- Non-Dihydropyridines reduce the heart rate and contraction strength. Doctors also use it for certain heart conditions. A few examples are Verapamil or Diltiazem.
You may experience the following side effects:
- Swelling in ankles, feet, or hands (very commonly seen)
- Your face may feel warm or red
- Headache
- Constipation (It happens more with Verapamil)
- Slow heart rate
- Low blood pressure (very rare)
5. Beta Blockers
Beta blockers primarily act on the heart. They reduce both the rate and force of your heartbeat. This will reduce overall pressure and reduce the workload on the heart. They are particularly recommended to individuals with other heart-related disorders, like a history of heart disease or irregular heartbeats.
However, they might not be the first option for a person with asthma or a very slow heart rate
Some of the common beta-blockers available in the market are Atenolol, Metoprolol, Bisoprolol, or Carvedilol. Your doctor will decide the type based on your heart condition and other health problems.
It is advised to use beta blockers as per the prescription and never stop them suddenly.
Its side effects may include:
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Cold hands and feet
- Shortness of breath when on higher doses
When and How to Take Your BP Medication
If you have high blood pressure, it’s common that your provider will recommend some medication to lower it. But one of the most important parts of treatment is consistency and how you take them.
The majority of high blood pressure medicines are to be taken on a daily basis. This keeps medication levels steady in your body and ensures continuous protection.
For example, diuretics need to be taken in the morning to prevent frequent urination at night. And some others, like ACE inhibitors, ARBs, and calcium channel blockers, taken at night can help lower blood pressure at night and reduce morning BP spikes. You should check with your doctor if it is better to take your medicine at night or in the morning.
- Try to take your medications with a routine every day at the same time
- Do not miss any doses, even when you feel good
- Use phone alarms, pill boxes, or apps to remember
- Follow specific instructions as some medicines (calcium blockers) are better taken with food, but others (lisinopril) are taken on an empty stomach
- Record side effects along with your blood pressure readings to help with changes
In case you have missed a dose, do not take two doses together unless your doctor has approved it. Instead, take the next dose as per the schedule and be consistent in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why BP Medications are not working
There could be a number of reasons why your medication isn’t managing your blood pressure fully. It could be that the type of medicine or the dosage is not perfectly suited to your body, or that you are not taking it regularly or at the right time. In addition, missing doses or having an irregular schedule will also lower the effectiveness. In some cases, you might need two, three, or even four different antihypertensive drugs. It is best to consult with your provider to get to the root.
Will I need this forever?
No. There are cases when some people, under a doctor’s guidance, cut down or stop medications if their lifestyle habits bring about such an improvement in blood pressure.
Can I be on more than one medication?
Yes, and it is a very common practice. Small doses of several medications generally do the trick better and have fewer side effects than one drug in a high dose.
What if I feel perfectly normal?
It is actually very common. High blood pressure often doesn’t cause noticeable symptoms, but it’s important to continue treatment to prevent complications later.
Conclusion
High blood pressure is a long-term condition, but it is also a manageable one. It can be successfully managed by using the proper high blood pressure medications and regular daily routines.
It is important to note that no special pills, vitamins, or drinks can substitute prescription drugs.
Your healthcare provider will prescribe you an antihypertensive medication that is most effective for your needs.
If you are unsure about your medications or need guidance, we are here to help. At Kairos Integrative Care Texas, Lola, one of our integrative nurse practitioners, monitors your blood pressure closely and gets to the root causes. Then make a care plan designed specifically for your body.
Book your Wellness consult today!
