Medications for Hypertension: Types, Benefits, and Side Effects

Hypertension in Baytown, TX, is a serious concern. Known as the silent killer, it has no symptoms to warn you that it is doing damage to your heart. For help with the diagnosis and treatment of hypertension, you can count on Dr. Toks Akinyeye to give you the personalized care that you require. 

Diuretics

Diuretics are often the first medication to be given when high blood pressure is diagnosed.  They are called water pills because what they do is to make you pee more. This gets excess water and salt out of your system and your heart has to work less hard when the water volume in the veins is lower. The main side effect is dehydration, and you need to make sure that you get enough fluids. Depletion of potassium is also a problem. 

Beta-blockers

Beta-blockers reduce the workload of the heart and its output of blood, together with the heart rate. This lowers blood pressure. One medication combines a diuretic with a beta blocker.  Some potential side effects include constipation, asthma-like symptoms, insomnia, erectile dysfunction, and depression. They are generally well tolerated and inexpensive. 

ACE inhibitors and Angiotensin II receptor blockers

Both of these types of medication help the body produce less of the hormone Angiotensin which constricts the blood vessels, especially in the kidneys. When the blood vessels relax, the blood pressure goes down. These medications can cause kidney damage and should not be taken by pregnant women. 

Calcium channel blockers

This category of medication for hypertension we prescribe at our Baytown, TX, office keeps calcium from entering the muscle cells of the heart and arteries, lowering blood pressure. Calcium channel blockers can cause constipation, swollen ankles, and dizziness. 

Alpha blockers

This class of drugs reduces the resistance in the blood vessel walls. Potential side effects include shaking, fast heart rate, weakness, dizziness and low blood pressure. 

Vasodilators

Vasodilators relax the walls of blood vessels, allowing blood to flow through with less pressure. These are used less often and mostly in very severe cases. They are usually taken as part of a heart health plan. 

For diagnosis and treatment of hypertension in Baytown, TX, you can count on Dr. Akinyeye. To make an appointment, give the office a call at (281) 422-9967.