The Ultimate Medications for High Blood Pressure

What is the main cause of high blood pressure? What causes high blood pressure? High blood pressure usually develops over time. It can happen because of unhealthy lifestyle choices, such as not getting enough regular physical activity. Certain health conditions, such as diabetes and obesity, can also increase the risk of developing high blood pressure. Blood pressure measurements fall into several categories:

Normal blood pressure. Your blood pressure is normal if it is below 120/80 mm Hg.
Elevated blood pressure. Elevated blood pressure is a systolic pressure between 120 and 129 mm Hg and a diastolic pressure below (not above) 80 mm Hg. Elevated blood pressure tends to worsen over time unless steps are taken to control it. Elevated blood pressure may also be called pre-hypertension.
Stage 1 hypertension. Stage 1 hypertension is a systolic pressure of 130 to 139 mm Hg or a diastolic pressure of 80 to 89 mm Hg.
Stage 2 hypertension. More severe hypertension, stage 2 hypertension is a systolic pressure of 140 mm Hg or higher or a diastolic pressure of 90 mm Hg or higher.
Hypertensive crisis. A blood pressure measurement higher than 180/120 mm Hg is a crisis situation that requires urgent medical attention. If you get such a result when measuring your blood pressure at home, wait five minutes and repeat the test.

WHAT ARE THE MOST POPULAR BLOOD PRESSURE MEDICATIONS? In terms of dollar sales, there are 5 top drugs for high blood pressure.

The angiotensin II receptor blocker valsartan (Diovan) at the forefront of drugs for high blood pressure,
beta-blocker metoprolol,
a generic combination of valsartan and HCTZ,
olmesartan (Benicar), and
olmesartan and HCTZ (Benicar HCT).

In terms of prescriptions written, here are the top 4 drugs for high blood pressure,

ACE inhibitor lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril) is at the top of the list,
followed by amlodipine besylate (Norvasc),
a calcium channel blocker, and
generic hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ).

WHAT IS THE BEST DRUG FOR HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE? Choosing the "best" high blood pressure drug depends on several factors, including a patient's overall health, age, ethnicity, and whether they have any comorbid medical problems or drug sensitivities. Certain groups of patients require a specific class of hypertension drugs. These include: Pregnant women The drug of choice for pregnant women with hypertension is one of the oldest drugs on the market. Methyldopa, which works to lower blood pressure through the central nervous system, has the lowest risk of harm to the mother and fetal development. Other possible safe options include labetalol, beta-blockers and diuretics. Two classes of drugs that should never be used during pregnancy are ACE inhibitors and angiotensin II receptor blockers. African-Americans Hypertension in African-Americans African-Americans appear earlier and are more severe. In addition, some drugs that lower blood pressure in other ethnic groups may have limited effect in African-Americans. Thiazide diuretics (such as HCTZ) or calcium channel blockers are recommended first, along with the possible addition of a second drug from the ACE inhibitor or angiotensin II receptor blocker class. Elderly patients As we age, the risk of systolic hypertension increases, which can be exacerbated by severe atherosclerosis. According to one study, the diuretic chlortalidone (Hygroton) provided significant benefit in elderly patients with systolic hypertension. Along with the diuretic, some calcium channel blockers, ACE inhibitors and angiotensin II receptor blockers may also be good choices. However, beta-blockers may not be as effective in treating hypertension in people over 60, although they may be a good choice for coexisting heart disease. In elderly patients, it may be more beneficial to administer two low-dose hypertension drugs rather than one higher-dose drug. LIST OF MEDICATIONS FOR HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE There are several classes of blood pressure medications. Each class lowers blood pressure in a different way. Here are 10 different classes of blood pressure drugs.