subject: Treatment Of Hypertension (high Blood Pressure) [print this page] To treat essential hypertension as a first step we adopt a change of lifestyle, that is to say: Decrease in tobacco, practice exercise, reduced salt intake, appropriate diet, decreased alcohol consumption, ect...
Then drug treatment may be necessary depending on your blood pressure, the theoretical aim is generally to lower systolic blood pressure below 140 mmHg and diastolic pressure below 90 mmHg. These parameters may vary depending on age and medical history and family.
Doctors use different classes of drugs (prescription drugs for sale):
1. Those interacting with the renin-angiotensin system
- Inhibitor of converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs): These drugs block the conversion of angiotensin I into angiotensin II, the latter is a hormone responsible for an increase in blood pressure, attention to certain drugs in this class can cause side effects such as dry cough.
- Receptor antagonists blockers (ARBs) block the effect of angiotensin II (responsible for an increase in blood pressure) and thus acts as an antagonist. These drugs are increasingly sold in the world, certainly for their high efficiency, some drugs are already blockbusters (over one billion dollars in sales) important.
- Direct renin inhibitors: such as aliskiren in Switzerland, this is a new class of antihypertensive drugs (as of 2008). This can be a good alternative to ACE inhibitors, especially if the cough is a side effect.
2. Calcium channel blockers (calcium antagonists)
This class of drug acts as an antagonist of calcium, the latter is responsible for the activation of smooth muscle in the heart vessels. Calcium channel with smooth muscles are more relaxed and blood pressure decreases.
Beware of possible side effects: flushing, headache, constipation, swollen ankles.
3. Diuretics (used less currently used in second line against hypertension)
There are different types of diuretics (osmotic, thiazide, potassium savers, ...). In general their action is to increase the elimination of water and sodium, which lowers blood pressure.
Important Note for specialist: Never combine two diuretics antikaliuretiques and this type of diuretic with a complement of K +.
4. Beta-blockers (used less currently used in second line against hypertension)
They act on the sympathetic system, this system is generally responsible for a reaction to stress or physical activity. By acting on this system drugs beta-blockers block reactions in part, which usually cause an increase in blood pressure.
Important note about beta-blockers: Do not stop treatment abruptly as a possible risk of tremors, sweating, angina, arrhythmia ... there. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist for information about your treatment or diagnosis.
5. In combination (more molecules or drugs) drug classes mentioned in points 1. to 4. above. You can either use drugs compounds (including molecules of different classes) or take more drugs in each class.
This is often the treatment compounds the results are most effective in lowering blood pressure.
by: Stiven Benson
welcome to Insurances.net (https://www.insurances.net)
