Blood pressure is the force exerted by the blood against the walls of the arteries as the heart pushes the blood to circulate around the body. Among the most common disorder concerning blood pressure is hypertension or High Blood Pressure (HBP), a condition characterized by a blood pressure equal to or higher than 140/90 mmHg.

Medication

High blood pressure is very common to young and old people alike; however, doctors say, it can be controlled. Aside from natural preventive measures such as maintaining a moderate weight, exercising, cutting down on salt and alcohol, taking drugs that aim to lower HBP is necessary to some. Drugs prescribed for each patient differs depending on the type of hypertension, the severity of the patient's condition and the cause of the disorder.

Types

Diuretics are drugs that take out excess water and sodium from the body.

Beta-blocker drugs, also called the beta-adrenergic blocking agents are those that lessen nerve impulses to the heart and the blood vessels.

ACE (Angiotensin converting enzyme) inhibitor drugs are drugs that block the action of the enzyme that changes the protein substance in the blood from inactive to active form, which tighten blood vessels.

Angiotensin antagonists are drugs that protect the blood vessels from angiotensin II, a hormone that constricts blood vessels.

Calcium channel blockers (CCBs) are drugs that interfere with muscle contraction. They prevent the movement of calcium across the membrane lining the muscle cells.

Alpha-blocker drugs help in the proper circulation of the blood by decreasing the nerve impulses to the blood vessels.

Alpha-beta-blocker drugs are drugs that regulate heartbeat. They work like the alpha-blocker drugs.

Nervous system inhibitors are drugs that also control nerve impulses to loosen up the blood vessels and thus, lower the blood pressure.

Vasodilators are drugs that widen the blood vessels by relaxing the surrounding muscles in the walls of the blood vessels.

Blood Pressure provides detailed information on Blood Pressure, High Blood Pressure, Low Blood Pressure, Normal Blood Pressure and more. Blood Pressure is affiliated with Reliability of Blood Pressure Monitors.

Source: www.articlealley.com