High Blood Pressure Medication 

How They Work, and What You Should Know About There Side Effects

The most commonly prescribed high blood pressure medication are the ACE inhibitors. ACE inhibitors are a drug that reduces the production of an enzyme called angiotensin converting enzyme. This enzyme is responsible for the production of  angiotensin II. A chemical that makes the muscles surrounding the arteries contract, thereby raising blood pressure. By blocking the production of angiotensin converting enzyme the arteries will relax reducing your high blood pressure. 50 to 60 percent of Caucasians usually achieve good blood pressure control on this drug. African American patients may also respond, but they require higher doses and frequently do best when an ACE inhibitor is combined with a diuretic.

ACE inhibitors are commonly sold under the names Vasotec, Capoten, Zestril and Prinivil, Lotensin, Accupril, Aceon, Altace, Mavik, Monopril, and Univasc.

ARB high blood pressure medication could be an alternative for those that don't respond to ACE medications. They work by blocking the angiotensin receptor on the arteries to which the activated angiotensin hormone must bind to have its muscle constricting effects. As a result, the angiotensin is not able to work on the artery. This blocking of the receptor sites makes the arteries relax and lowers high blood pressure.

ARB inhibitors are sold under the names Cozaar, Avapro, Diovan, Atacand, Benicar, Micardis, and Teveten.

Beta blocker high blood pressure medications work by blocking the nerve receptor sites that get the signals from the brain that make the heart pump. This reduces the heart rate and the strength of the hearts contractions. They also cause a contraction of the smooth muscles around the arteries of the heart which reduces blood flow to the entire body. Patients experience cold hands and feet, and wheezing since they have also reduced the blood flow to the lungs. Reducing the blood flow to the lungs is a dangerous proposition in my humble opinion, since it would reduce the oxygenation of the bodies cells. Cancer is the end result of the lack of oxygen to the cells.

The beta-blockers include Tenormin, Inderal, Toprol, Corgard, Kerlone, Sectral, Visken, and Zebeta.

Alpha blockers work in the exact opposite way of beta blockers. These high blood pressure medications let the arteries surrounding the heart relax and dilate which lowers the blood pressure. Recent evidence suggests that using alpha-blockers alone as a first line drug choice for hypertension may actually increase the risk of heart-related problems, such as heart attacks and strokes.

Diuretics are used to empty the kidneys and body of salt and excess water. It has been said that people with high blood pressure usually have to much salt in their bodies. By removing the salt and excess water the high blood pressure can go down. However, sodium chloride found in common table salt is not true salt and is toxic to the body. It would be easier for people to use a natural salt product and not have to take diuretics in my honest opinion. There side effects include potassium depletion, elevated levels of triglyceride's, uric acid, and sugar in the blood.

Calcium channel blockers inhibit the movement of calcium into the muscle cells of the heart and arteries. The calcium is needed for these muscles to contract. These drugs, therefore, lower blood pressure by decreasing the force of the heart's pumping action and relaxing the muscle cells in the walls of the arteries. The main side effects of these high blood pressure medications include constipation, swelling (edema), and a slow heart rate.

Clonidine works thru the brain and central nervous system by stimulating alpha-receptors in the brain which relaxes the arteries in the body. This high blood pressure medication causes dry mouth and fatigue in everyone that uses it.

Minoxidil is a high blood pressure medication that is a muscle relaxant that works directly on the smooth muscle of the peripheral arteries throughout the body. This relaxing effect then lowers the blood pressure. It must be used with a beta-blocker or clonidine to prevent an increase in the heart rate and with a diuretic to prevent retention of fluid.

High Blood Pressure Medication Side Effects

• An allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives
• Unusually fast or slow heartbeat
• Chest pain
• Sever dizziness or fainting
• Psychosis
• Jaundice or yellowing of the skin and eyes 
• Swelling of the legs or ankles
• Fatigue or tiredness
• Headaches
• Insomnia
• Vivid or abnormal dreams
• Flushing of the face or skin
• Abdominal pain
• Nausea, diarrhea, or constipation
• Increased or difficult urination
• Decreased sexual desire and performance
• Kidney failure
• Decrease in white blood cell counts
• 28% increase in diabetes risk

One other side effect of these high blood pressure medications is they reduce CoEnzyme Q10 in the body, so do the cholesterol drugs. CoQ10 is the enzyme that the mitochondria of the cells use to produce energy, especially in the heart. If you are on <B>any</B> of these drugs, take a CoQ10 supplement everyday!

Other high blood pressure medication side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

The chances are that once you are diagnosed with high blood pressure, you will be on one or more of these high blood pressure medication for the rest of your life. You will be subject to the side effects since they are not addressing the cause of this disease, you will probably end up with full blown heart disease and will experience the many surgeries and recoveries that follow.

I for one would rather just solve the problem that caused the high blood pressure and heart disease and use a natural cure for high blood pressure myself with NO side effects, wouldn't you?

Natural Cure for High Blood Pressure