Different Classes of Hypertensive Medications:
There are two forms of hypertension: the first one is stable chronic hypertensive management, and the second one is a hypertensive emergency and hypertensive crisis. The latest is for hospital emergencies. We will focus only on the medication for stable chronic hypertensive.
Classes of the Medications for hypertension include:
- diuretics, including thiazides, chlorthalidone, and indapamide
- beta-blockers and alpha-blockers
- calcium-channel blockers
- central agonists
- peripheral adrenergic inhibitor
- vasodilators
- angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors
- angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs)
How do I know which class is best for me?
The choice of medication depends on the individual and any underlying medical conditions they may have or experience. Medications that adjust the hormone level in our bodies are also the priority. That includes angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), beta-blockers, aldosterone antagonists, etc. These medications can modify the hormones in the body and increase their life span.
What is the goal of antihypertensive medications?
The main goal of antihypertensive medications is to prevent end-organ damage. The organs that we are concerned the most are the Heart, the Brain, the Kidneys, and anything else that is related to these organs. In the consistent systemic hypertension, the blood vessels are very tight and the heart keeps pumping blood to them. Along the way, the size of the heart will get bigger, but the coronary artery that supplies blood to the heart does not get bigger in itself. Therefore, the coronary artery can not supply adequately enough blood to such a huge heart. Once that happens, the patient can go to heart attack, chest pain, and so on.
Remember Any question you may have do not hesitate to ask your health care teams. Your doctor will make recommendations based on the type of hypertension you have, your health, and other factors. Your body is the Temple of God, please take good care of it.
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