If losing weight, eating right, and exercising don't lower blood pressure enough, physicians can treat the condition with medication. Different antihypertensives lower blood pressure in different ways:
Diuretics are usually a doctor's first choice; these water pills rid the body of excess water and salt
Beta-blockers slow pulse rate so the heart doesn't work as hard
ACE inhibitors prevent the body from making angiotensin
Angiotensin II receptor blockers widen blood vessels and protect the heart from the vessel-narrowing hormone
Calcium channel blockers (CCBs) relax blood vessels and lower the blood pressure
Alpha-blockers reduce nerve impulses, allowing blood to flow more freely through vessels
Alpha-beta blockers slow the pulse so the heart pumps less blood
asodilators relax smooth muscles in blood vessel walls
No one medication works for everyone. Your doctor may have to try several to find the best one for you. Most treatment is long-term, but your doctor may lower your dosage if medications keep your blood pressure in normal range (120/80) for at least a year.
If you are taking three or more antihypertensives and your blood pressure is still too high, it may be time to visit a hypertension specialist.
