High blood pressure (hypertension) is a serious health condition that can lead to heart disease, stroke, and other complications. If you use the right medication or herbal approach, it can be effectively managed and treated. There are many medicines used to treat high blood pressure, and this blog post explores both traditional medication and alternative options.
Types of Medicines used to treat High Blood Pressure
The type of medicine used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) depends on how high your blood pressure is and your overall health. Out of the medications out there, we will show you five over-the-counter (OTC) medicines to lower blood pressure.
Five types of high blood pressure treatment options
1. Diuretics
Diuretics, also sometimes called water pills, are a class of medications that help your body get rid of excess fluid and salt through urination. They work by affecting the kidneys, causing them to remove more water and sodium from the bloodstream. Diuretics target specific parts of the kidneys called nephrons. These nephrons are responsible for filtering waste products and excess fluids from the blood.
How is Diuretic a high blood pressure treatment option?
Diuretics help remove excess fluid and sodium from the body. This reduction in fluid volume reduces the pressure within your blood vessels, leading to lower blood pressure readings. This is why diuretics are commonly used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). Read about diuretics here.
2. Beta-blockers
Beta-blockers are a type of medication used to treat a variety of heart and circulatory system conditions. They block the effects of certain hormones, primarily adrenaline (epinephrine), on your heart and blood vessels.
How do Beta-blockers treat High Blood Pressure?
Beta-blockers can effectively lower blood pressure by reducing the heart rate and relaxing blood vessels. They are classified into:
a. Combined alpha and beta-blockers
Combined alpha and beta-blockers, also known as alpha-beta blockers, work by blocking two different types of receptors in the body namely Alpha receptors and Beta receptors. Together, they work to allow blood vessels to relax and dilate, leading to a decrease in blood pressure. They also prevent adrenaline from stimulating beta receptors in the heart. This reduces heart rate and the force of contractions, further contributing to lower blood pressure.
3. ACE inhibitors
ACE inhibitors, which stand for Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme inhibitors, are a type of medication commonly used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and heart failure. They work by interrupting a specific pathway in the body that regulates blood pressure.
How do ACE inhibitors treat high blood pressure?
Step 1: The Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System (RAAS): This is a complex hormonal system that plays a key role in regulating blood pressure. One part of this system involves an enzyme called ACE (Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme).
Step 2: ACE and Angiotensin II: ACE converts a substance called angiotensin I into another substance called angiotensin II. Angiotensin II is a powerful hormone that causes blood vessels to constrict, which raises blood pressure.
Step 3: ACE Inhibition: ACE inhibitors treat high blood pressure blocking the action of ACE. This prevents the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II.
Step 4: Impact on Blood Pressure: With less angiotensin II circulating, blood vessels relax and widen. This allows blood to flow more easily, ultimately leading to a decrease in blood pressure.
4. Angiotensin II receptor blockers
Angiotensin II receptor blockers, often abbreviated as ARBs, are another class of medication used to effectively treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and sometimes heart failure. They work by a slightly different mechanism compared to ACE inhibitors but ultimately achieve a similar outcome: lowering blood pressure.
How do Angiotensin II receptor blockers treat high blood pressure?
1. The Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System (RAAS): Just like with ACE inhibitors, ARBs target the RAAS system, which plays a crucial role in blood pressure regulation.
2. Angiotensin II and Its Effects: The RAAS system includes a hormone called angiotensin II, which causes blood vessels to constrict, leading to increased blood pressure.
3. Blocking the Receptor: Unlike ACE inhibitors which prevent the formation of angiotensin II, ARBs work by blocking the receptors for angiotensin II. These receptors are located on the muscles surrounding blood vessels.
4. Relaxed Blood Vessels: By blocking these receptors, ARBs prevent angiotensin II from binding and causing constriction. This allows blood vessels to relax and widen, resulting in lower blood pressure.
Alternative Treatment for High Blood Pressure
Some other high-blood treatment options include drugs such as Calcium channel blockers, Alpha-2 receptor agonists, and Vasodilators. Oftentimes, two or more blood pressure drugs work better than one. It can take some time to find the medicine or combination of medicines that works best for you.
However, herbal research in recent times by experts and specialized bodies has suggested that natural foods that lower blood pressure such as beetroot are an alternative medicine to treat hypertension. In some cases, it is best to combine two or more blood pressure medicines to quickly lower blood pressure. In other cases, it is good to combine one verified herbal product such as beetroot powder, and your prescribed high blood pressure treatment medicine to get faster and more effective results.
What to know before choosing any High Blood Pressure Treatment
Before you opt for a combination of medicines for high blood pressure or natural products, consult with your doctor to know your ideal high blood pressure treatment goal. Generally, less than 130/80 mmHg is recommended for most adults under 65 with a high risk of cardiovascular disease or those with existing conditions like diabetes or chronic kidney disease. For healthy adults over 65, the target may be adjusted based on your specific health profile.
Additional Common Questions
- What Medicine can I use to Lower Blood Pressure?
As stated in the blog post, there are various prescription medications available to effectively lower blood pressure. These medications work in different ways to regulate your body’s blood pressure control mechanisms.
- What Medicine can I use to quickly Lower Blood Pressure?
In certain emergencies, medication might be needed to rapidly lower blood pressure. This should only be done under the supervision of a medical professional.
- What OTC Medicine Lower Blood Pressure?
Over-the-counter (OTC) medications for blood pressure management typically have milder effects and are not a substitute for prescribed medication. Consult your doctor before using any OTC medication.
- What is the Best Blood Pressure Medicine for High Blood Pressure?
There isn’t a one-size-fits-all medication for high blood pressure. The best medication depends on your health and needs. Your doctor will determine the most appropriate course of treatment.
- How can I Lower Blood Pressure Without Medicine?
Lifestyle changes can significantly impact blood pressure. This can include a healthy diet, exercise, stress management, and maintaining a healthy weight.
- Is there a natural medicine for Lowering Blood Pressure?
Certain natural supplements and dietary changes might offer some support in managing blood pressure. However, always consult your doctor before using any natural remedies.
- Is there Holistic medicine to Lower Blood Pressure?
Holistic medicine takes a whole-body approach to health, and some practices like acupuncture or yoga may be helpful as complementary therapies for blood pressure management.
- Can Beets Lower Blood Pressure?
When used in combination with prescribed high blood pressure medicines, beets can be effective in lowering blood pressure.
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