High Blood Pressure : What is it & treatments

High Blood Pressure : What is it & treatments

Overview
High pressure in the arteries (vessels that carry blood from the heart to the rest of the body). Symptoms varies from person to person and generally include unexplained fatigue and headache.
Symptoms
Symptoms include headache and shortness of breath.
Causes
Cause of hypertension is unknown, but risk factors are sedentary lifestyle, age and certain medical conditions.
Diagnosis
Blood pressure is measured using an instrument called sphygmomanometer.
→ Common treatment options
→ How is this diagnosed?
Highlights
- Treatable by a medical professional
- Diagnosed by medical professional
- Often requires lab test or imaging
- Common for ages 60 and older
- Can be dangerous or life threatening if untreated
- Family history may increase likelihood
Medications
Beta blockers: Helps in reducing the heart rate thus decreasing the blood pressure.
Acebutolol . Atenolol . Betaxolol
Diuretics: Increases urination which in turn reduces the sodium and fluid content resulting in decreasing blood pressure.
Bumetanide . Chlorthalidone . Chlorothiazide
Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors: Widens the blood vessels thereby aiding in easy blood flow and reduce the blood pressure.
Captopril . Fosinopril . Lisinopril . Ramipril
Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs): Helps relax the blood vessels to lower the pressure.
Losartan . Telmisartan
Calcium channel blockers: Reduces the amount of calcium entering heart muscles thereby reducing the heart rate and controlling blood pressure.
Amlodipine . Felodipine . Isradipine
Alpha blockers: The muscles of arteries and veins are relaxed thus reducing the blood pressure.
Doxazosin . Prazosin . Terazosin
Renin inhibitors: Inhibits the enzyme that favors the production of angiotensin (a peptide hormone, which aids in regulation of blood pressure) which constricts blood vessels.
Aliskiren
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