High Blood Pressure : What is it & treatments

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 include headache and shortness of breath.

Cause of hypertension is unknown, but risk factors are sedentary lifestyle, age and certain medical conditions.

Blood pressure is measured using an instrument called sphygmomanometer.

→ Common treatment options

→ How is this diagnosed?

• 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

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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