It is important to take medication to lower the pressure, keeping it under control because high blood pressure increases the risk of developing heart disease, kidney problems, stroke and heart attack, for example. So whenever the pressure is equal to or above 14 by 9 (140 x 90 mmHg) take the remedies indicated by the cardiologist.
In most cases, the doctor initially indicates decreased salt intake and exercise at least 3 times a week. But if the pressure stays high, he may prescribe pressure medicines like Minoxidil or Captopril, which should be taken every day for breakfast.
In most cases, the cardiologist recommends the use of medication when the pressure is maintained above 140/90 even by eating a low-salt diet and practicing exercise at least 3 times a week.
Main antihypertensives
To control the pressure the doctor may recommend several medications, such as:
1 - Diuretics
They are medicines that work in the kidney and increase the elimination of water and salt by the urine, like Furosemide, Hydrochlorothiazide, Indapamide or Spironolactone, for example. In addition, they increase the amount of urine and help reduce swelling.
2 - Vasodilators
These remedies relax the arteries and veins of the body, used in patients with difficult to control hypertension, and can be used together with another antihypertensive drug. Examples of vasodilator drugs are Minoxidil and Hydralazine.
3 - Calcium channel blockers
This class of antihypertensives dilates blood vessels such as Nifedipine, Amlodipine, Nicardipine or Verapamil, for example.
4 - Inhibitors of angiotensin converting enzyme (ACEI)
They are widely used in the treatment of high blood pressure because they prevent the production of angiotensin, a pressure-increasing hormone such as Captopril, Enalapril, Ramipril or Lisinopril, for example. Some patients may experience dry cough with regular use of these medications.
Another class of drugs with similar effects, but without the effect of cough, are angiotensin receptor antagonists that lower blood pressure by preventing the effects of the hormone angiotensin. Some names of remedies for high blood pressure in this class are Losartan, Valsartan, Candesartan, Telmisartan.
5 - Beta blockers
Beta-blockers are part of a group of medications that, in addition to helping control blood pressure, decrease heart rate. They are generally prescribed medications for young patients and women, because they have, for the most part, a slightly increased heart rate. They are: Propranolol, Atenolol, Carvedilol, Metoprolol and Nebivolol.
Side effects
Side effects of medicines for high blood pressure include dizziness, fluid retention, changes in heart rate, headache, vomiting, nausea, sweating or impotence. When you notice any of these effects, the person should talk to the doctor for him to evaluate the possibility of reducing the dose of the medicine or even to change it for another.
High blood pressure medications do not gain weight, but some can cause swelling, and in these cases, the cardiologist may also indicate the use of diuretics.
Can I take several medications to lower my blood pressure?
To maintain controlled pressure one can use various remedies at the same time they may be of the same class or different classes. However, its use should always be recommended by the doctor to avoid interaction between medications.
In the simplest cases, the treatment is performed with the use of only one medication, especially when the values do not exceed 160 / 90mmHg. However, in some cases when the pressure is higher does not stabilize the doctor recommends the use of 2 or 3 combined remedies.
When to stop taking antihypertensive
The use of medication to control the pressure in most cases is maintained throughout life, because hypertension is a chronic disease. However, in some special situations, such as undergoing surgery, the cardiologist can stop using the medication for a few days.
Home Remedies for High Blood Pressure
A great home remedy for high blood pressure is orange juice because orange is rich in potassium which helps to reduce blood pressure.
Another natural remedy for high blood pressure is lemon juice with garlic. To do this, simply remove all the juice from 3 lemons, grind 2 cloves of garlic, put the juice, garlic cloves and 1 cup of water in the blender, beat well, sweeten to taste and drink during the day, in the range of meals.
See more homemade recipes to lower the pressure in home remedy for high blood pressure.
Remedies for High Blood Pressure in Pregnancy
The medicines for high blood pressure in pregnancy, which may be prescribed by the cardiologist, are Methyldopa or Hydralazine, for example.
If the pregnant woman was already hypertensive before becoming pregnant, the cardiologist should change the medication previously used, by medications released for use in pregnancy, which do not cause problems for the baby.
See other tips to help control video pressure: