6 groups of drugs to treat high blood pressure and notes when using them

Hypertensive patients often have to take medication to control the disease and limit complications. Below are 6 groups of drugs to treat hypertension and notes on how to use them to maximize the effectiveness of the drugs.

1. Overview of drugs for treating high blood pressure

Blood pressure index greater than 140/90 mmHg is considered high blood pressure or hypertension. If the condition occurs continuously and blood pressure does not tend to decrease, the patient needs to take medication. Blood pressure medication is a drug that has the effect of regulating, controlling, and bringing the patient's blood pressure back to a safe level, suitable for the patient's age and health condition. In addition, the drug also has the effect of preventing complications such as myocardial infarction, heart attack, heart failure, stroke, etc. caused by blood pressure.

Control high blood pressure with antihypertensive drugs

2. 6 groups of drugs to treat high blood pressure

Depending on the patient's condition, the doctor will prescribe different groups of blood pressure medications. Among them, the following 6 groups of blood pressure medications are commonly used.

Beta blockers

This group of drugs works by blocking beta receptors to inhibit the activity of nerve cells, dilate blood vessels, slow the heart rate and lower blood pressure. Patients with high blood pressure who often suffer from angina or migraines can be prescribed this group of drugs. In particular, in cases of heart failure, bradycardia, asthma or taking antidepressants, it should not be used.

ACE inhibitors

This is a group of drugs used for patients with high blood pressure accompanied by asthma and diabetes. The main effect of the drug is to dilate blood vessels, improve the condition of constriction and blockage of arteries due to coronary artery disease, thereby increasing blood circulation and stabilizing blood pressure.

Angiotensin II receptor antagonists

The mechanism of action of this group of drugs is similar to the ACE inhibitor group mentioned above, but is considered to be more effective and have fewer side effects, especially when used in combination with diuretics. Accordingly, the drug has the effect of inhibiting angiotensin II receptors, helping arterioles to dilate, increase blood circulation and control blood pressure.

Hypertensive patients may use one or more different groups of medications.

Calcium channel blockers

Next in the list of 6 blood pressure medication groups is the calcium antagonist group – also known as calcium channel blockers. As the name suggests, the drug helps prevent calcium from “moving” into the smooth muscle cells of the arteries and heart cells. Thereby, the arteries are “relaxed”, blood circulates better and the heart increases its pumping activity throughout the body, blood pressure is regulated and stabilized.

Oriental medicine group

The group of oriental medicines with natural ingredients such as corn silk, cat whiskers, plantain, scratch grass, etc. also has diuretic effects to help lower blood pressure. Compared to the above groups of drugs, this group of drugs is considered safe and benign, however, when using it, you should consult a doctor.

Diuretics

Why are diuretics included in the 6 blood pressure medication groups ? This is because the drug increases the excretion of water and sodium from the body, prevents water retention, helps reduce blood vessel volume and lowers blood pressure. For patients with high blood pressure due to the habit of eating salty foods and urinating less, the doctor will prescribe this group of drugs.

3. Notes when using drugs to treat high blood pressure

In the 6 groups of drugs used to treat high blood pressure , each group of drugs has the potential to cause side effects. In addition, if used incorrectly, the treatment will not be effective. Therefore, do not ignore the following important notes while taking the drug.

Side effects

Each group of drugs has different side effects, but common side effects are dizziness, dry cough, hypokalemia, arrhythmia, anxiety disorders, etc. If you see any abnormalities in your body, notify your doctor immediately so that he or she can make appropriate adjustments.

Notify your doctor if you experience any discomfort or abnormalities while taking the medication.

Dosage

For blood pressure medications, doctors usually start with one medication and the lowest dose. When this is not effective, the doctor will combine two medications and increase the dose. In many cases, multiple groups of medications may be used or the drug group may be changed. You need to strictly follow the dosage so that the doctor can monitor and evaluate the situation, thereby making appropriate changes and adjustments.

Time to take medicine

If you only take one medication and take it only once a day, take it at the right time as directed. If you are prescribed multiple medications, discuss with your doctor the timing of each one. Note, even if you are busy, you should take your medication at the right time, do not take them at the same time to avoid drug interactions and uncontrolled blood pressure.

Time of taking medicine

Even if your blood pressure is under control, you still need to maintain regular medication use as prescribed. Never stop taking your medication on your own to avoid the risk of high blood pressure and facing many complications.

Always follow the time and duration of taking medication as prescribed by your doctor.

Other notes

In addition, while taking blood pressure medication, it is necessary to pay attention to building a scientific diet and adjusting living habits. The most important of these is to reduce salt consumption, exercise daily, control weight well, work and rest properly. In particular, avoid tobacco, alcohol, stimulants, canned foods or sudden changes in weather that cause blood pressure to increase and decrease erratically.

Above are 6 groups of blood pressure medications widely used by medical facilities. To know which group of medications is suitable for you, please visit the Cardiology Department of MEDLATEC Healthcare System. Please call 1900 56 56 56 to make an appointment today.

Source: https://medlatec.vn/tin-tuc/6-nhom-thuoc-dieu-tri-tang-huet-ap-va-luu-y-khi-su-dung