Choosing the right blood pressure medication can spell the difference between life and death. You might think that high blood pressure medication is reserved solely for the elderly. That is very much a misconception. Heart ailments can strike anyone at any age, especially those who do not take good care of their health.
Hypertension or commonly referred to as high blood pressure is a potentially lethal medical condition. It attacks during the least expected moments and it strikes anywhere. With the right medication, hypertension can be controlled or even totally won over.
There are hundreds or more blood pressure medications available in the market today. However, there are specific types that can pose serious health hazards. Using the wrong one can cause harmful side-effects that may escalate into more dangerous medical conditions. It is very important, therefore, that you have a good knowledge about high blood pressure medications.
Types
Antihypertensive medications have different classes or types. The most common are beta blockers, ACE inhibitors, thiazide diuretics, calcium channel blockers, and angiotensin II receptor antagonists or ARBs.
Despite the fact that these medications have one thing in common (to lower blood pressure), each type has a different mechanism for treating hypertension. For example:
• Diuretics are often prescribed for stage 1 hypertension (blood pressure of 140-159/90-99) – which help flush excess sodium from your body.
• Angiotensin antagonists shield blood vessels from Angiotesin II and promote widening of blood vessels, making passage of blood easier and with less pressure.
• Beta-blockers reduce nerve impulses that go between the heart and the blood vessels. This helps your heart reduce rapid beating, thereby relaxing it and preventing heart pains.
Hypertension medication also differs in cost. Some may cost less while others can be very expensive. But if you have a health insurance card, you can save more on costly medications.
Generally, your doctor has the last say when it comes to administering your medication for high blood pressure. The problem is it’s not an uncommon practice for most doctors to eagerly prescribe medication zealously.
It is best, therefore, to ask them first if a particular drug prescription is absolutely necessary. The point is you have to ask for other approaches that can be used to effectively improve your heart’s health without the use of heavy medications for high blood pressure.
Side Effects
You have to be very aware that even the best blood pressure medication can be potentially dangerous. As pointed out earlier, these medications can cause harmful side-effects in the long run. This is the reason they should always be your last resort. There is no doubt that these medications can save lives, but take note that you only have to opt for these drugs if you really have no other option.
Go Natural!
Apart from high blood pressure medicine, there are other effective methods to treat heart disease. The most common ways are eating right and having an active lifestyle. A healthy diet means that you should refrain from consuming foods with high fat and salt content.
Instead of eating fried foods, you can go for fish, vegetables and fruits. These foods are high in Omega 3 oils and fiber, which are proven to reduce the level of bad cholesterol and lower your blood pressure. Less alcohol intake and avoiding cigarettes would also be beneficial.
To make the most of your diet, use a blood pressure supplement, like Hypercet Blood Pressure Formula, with ingredients that naturally reduce hypertension.
To make high blood pressure treatment more effective, you should also exercise on a regular basis. Staying active helps in 3 important ways:
- It strengthens your cardiovascular system, making it more efficient at pumping blood throughout your body.
- It promotes weight loss, which puts less strain on your heart in the long run.
- It helps your body to produce endorphins – “feel good” hormones that help you relax and relieve stress.
In fact, a healthy lifestyle alone can effectively reduce your risk of hypertension and the need to take any high blood pressure medication.
