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Blood Pressure and Medications

If you have been diagnosed with high blood pressure, chances are you will be prescribed some kind of medication. However, you should be aware of the fact that drugs are not the only solution to the problem. For instance, changes in diet, exercise, and stress levels can also have an impact on blood pressure. Before we discuss specific types of medications, it is important to know what factors contribute to blood pressure levels:

Heart Rate
The heart rate affects the rate of blood flow through the blood vessels. As the heart rate rises, the blood pressure will also increase.

Blood Volume
This refers to the measure of blood in the body. As the level of blood volume increases, the blood pressure will also rise.

Cardiac Output
This is the rate at which the heart pumps blood. You can determine it by multiplying the heart rate by the stroke volume. Stroke volume depends on a number of things, including the overall strength of the heart muscles and the actual physical size of the vessel.

Resistance
This is the ease with which the blood moves through the vessels of the body. This can be affected by the smoothness of the vessel walls themselves.

Viscosity
This refers to the thickness of the blood, which can be affected by medication.

Medication Types
There are a number of different kinds of medication for high blood pressure. For instance, a Diuretic reduces the amount of water and sodium in the blood, reducing the pressure on the walls of blood vessels. Beta Blockers lower blood pressure by inhibiting the body’s fight/flight response. Ace Inhibitors reduce blood pressure by preventing the hormone Angiotensin from forming. Meanwhile, Angiotensin Antagonists block Angiotensin’s effects on the cells of the heart and blood vessels. Calcium Channel Blockers reduce the overall level of calcium in the heart, reducing blood pressure. Alpha Blockers lower blood pressure by limiting the nerve impulses sent to the blood vessels, while Alpha-Beta Blockers combine the effects of Alpha-Blockers and Beta-Blockers. Meanwhile, Nervous System Inhibitors relax blood vessels, as do Vasodilators.

Talk With Your Doctor
Be sure to consult with your family physician to determine which type of medication is right for you. It is essential that you receive the right drugs in order to get your blood pressure under control. High blood pressure can lead to a host of illnesses which can shorten your life. By effectively combining medication with exercise and a sensible diet, you should be able to reduce your blood pressure, ensuring a long, healthy life.