The Effective Treatment of High
Blood Pressure Page #1
Other
types of antihypertensive drugs may be used to lower high blood
pressure. While they all dilate arteries, they do it in different
ways. Alpha- blockers interfere with the hormone norepinephrine,
which causes the constriction of arteries. Alpha-beta-blockers
actually combine the actions of alpha blockers and beta-blockers.
Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors interfere with the
formation of angiotensin which is a hormone that causes the
constriction of arteries. Angiotensin II receptor blockers
interfere with the action of angiotensin. Calcium channel
blockers work by blocking calcium from entering cells. The
results of these actions are that the arteries dilate and blood
pressure is subsequently reduced. Several of these medications
also reduce the force of the contractions of the heart.An individual’s
specific condition may make it more amenable to use one type of
antihypertensive drug over another. Obese people for example may
respond better to a diuretic or calcium channel blocker. For people
who have diabetes in addition to high blood pressure or heart failure,
an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor or angiotensin II
receptor blocker may be recommended as these medications help to
protect the kidneys. For people who have had angina or a heart
attack, glaucoma, or migraine headaches, a beta-blocker may be
recommended. For men with enlarged prostate (benign prostatic
hyperplasia), a alpha-blocker or alpha-beta-blocker may be
particularly helpful. Alpha-blockers and alpha-beta-blockers relax
muscles of the urethra and bladder. Urine then flows more easily. In
older people however, taking alpha-beta-blockers or alpha-blockers may
lead to urinary incontinence or lightheadedness.
The goal of
treatment is to lower blood pressure below 140/90 mm Hg or even
possibly lower, for people with kidney disorder or diabetes. Older
people may find this rather difficult however. For example, the dose
of the drugs or the number of drugs needed to decrease blood pressure
below this level may cause the level of side effects to have a
detrimental effect on the elderly. However, any decrease in blood
pressure is better than none at all.
Outlook for the
future for individuals with high blood pressure:
Many people with
high blood pressure may have to take antihypertensive drugs for their
entire life. If medications are discontinued your blood pressure may
go back up, although it may also remain at the lower level for the
first several months following the discontinuation. Doctors do try to
reduce the dose sometimes, but if the blood pressure increases the
dose is then increased once again.
If you're
concerned about the side effects or if you are taking several drugs,
you may want to ask your doctor about reducing the dose or changing
the medication. As long as high blood pressure treatment is adequate,
people can expect to live a long life without many restrictions.
Page
#1 Effective treatment of High Blood Pressure
Adapted from information from the Merck Manual of Health and Aging
Additional Information and
webpage by Paul Susic MA Licensed
Psychologist Ph.D. Candidate
