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Blood Pressure Medication: What You Should Know

If you have been diagnosed with high blood pressure, your doctor will more than likely try to lower that reading through non-medicinal methods first. Such methods will include changing your diet and adding exercise to your daily routine. However, if those methods do not work to lower your blood pressure, your doctor will probably prescribe a blood pressure medication.

Correct Medication

There are many considerations to address when you visit with your doctor to discuss medications. Of course, cost is always an issue, but so is convenience and tolerance to various medications. It may take more than one try to find the correct medication that will work for you, so do try to be patient throughout this process.

As well as the medication you may be required to take, your doctor will also more than likely remind you that you still need to keep an eye on your diet. You also need to continue any exercise routine that you have started. Also keep in mind there are many different classes and types of blood pressure medications. Knowing what they are may help you to understand your condition better.

Commonly Used Drugs

The most commonly used drugs used to treat high blood pressure are thiazide diuretics. These reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes caused by high blood pressure. But the best thing about these are that they are relatively inexpensive. They are also convenient, as they are to be taken once a day.

Be aware however, that with all drugs, there is a chance of side effects, and with thiazide diuretics, users may feel an increase in the need to urinate. In addition, since a diuretic can increase the loss of potassium in the body, you may be required to take an extra pill to make up for that. On occasion, diuretics may cause some sexual dysfunction in men, so take that into consideration when speaking with your doctor.

Medication Side Effects

Another common high blood pressure medication is a beta-blocker. This medication can also reduce the chance of stroke and heart attacks, while also protecting the heart in those who already suffer from coronary artery disease. As with the thiazide diuretic, a beta-blocker is also inexpensive and you can also take it just one time a day. Something to be aware of with the beta-blockers is that they may cause some sleep difficulties in some patients, and perhaps even depression, so watch for this. As with the diuretic, the beta-blocker may also cause some sexual dysfunction in men.

The next most common high blood pressure medication is what is called an ACE inhibitor. This stands for angiotensin-converting enzyme. This medication helps to support and protect the kidneys as well as the ability to help protect the heart muscle after a heart attack or for those who suffer from congestive heart failure. Your doctor will carefully assess your condition before prescribing an ACE inhibitor, as they can cause more decline in some kidney functions. Other, lesser side effects may consist of dizziness or a dry cough.

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