Hello, my name is Joel Bokan, and I am the co-owner and lead pharmacist at Adonai Pharmacy. In this blog post, I will discuss the various drug treatments available for hypertension, also known as high blood pressure.
This blog post is a follow-up to Dr. Amitha Parvataneni's excellent blog post called "Combating Hypertension: The "Silent Killer". Dr. Parvataneni is the owner and lead physician of Hype Healthcare, and Hype Healthcare shares the same building with Adonai Pharmacy in Detroit.
Hypertension is a common condition that affects many people worldwide. It is often referred to as the "silent killer" because it typically has no symptoms, but it can lead to serious health complications such as heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure.
Fortunately, there are several medications available that can help manage hypertension and reduce the risk of these complications. Let's take a closer look at some of the drugs commonly used to treat hypertension.
Diuretics: Diuretics are medications that increase the amount of urine produced by the kidneys, which helps to reduce the amount of fluid in the bloodstream. This reduction in fluid volume can lead to lower blood pressure. Some examples of diuretics used to treat hypertension include hydrochlorothiazide and furosemide.
ACE inhibitors: ACE inhibitors work by blocking the action of a hormone called angiotensin II, which can cause blood vessels to narrow and increase blood pressure. By blocking this hormone, ACE inhibitors help to relax blood vessels and lower blood pressure. Examples of ACE inhibitors include lisinopril and enalapril.
Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs): ARBs work in a similar way to ACE inhibitors, by blocking the action of angiotensin II. This helps to relax blood vessels and lower blood pressure. Examples of ARBs include losartan and valsartan.
Calcium channel blockers: Calcium channel blockers are medications that block the entry of calcium into the muscle cells of the heart and blood vessels. By doing so, they help to relax blood vessels and reduce blood pressure. Examples of calcium channel blockers include amlodipine and verapamil.
Beta blockers: Beta blockers work by blocking the effects of the hormone adrenaline on the heart and blood vessels. This helps to reduce heart rate and lower blood pressure. Examples of beta blockers used to treat hypertension include metoprolol and atenolol.
In some cases, combination therapy may be necessary to effectively manage hypertension. For example, a diuretic may be combined with an ACE inhibitor or ARB, or a calcium channel blocker may be combined with a beta blocker.
It is important to note that hypertension medications should always be taken as prescribed by a healthcare provider. It may take some time to find the right combination of medications to effectively manage hypertension, and it is important to continue taking them even if there are no noticeable symptoms.
In conclusion, there are several drugs available to treat hypertension, each with their own mechanisms of action. Your healthcare provider can help determine which medication or combination of medications is best suited to your individual needs. With proper treatment and monitoring, hypertension can be effectively managed, reducing the risk of serious health complications.
If you want to discuss the various options for reducing hypertension, please visit us at Adonai Pharmacy here in Detroit:
Adonai Pharmacy
In the Osborn Center
13641 Seven Mile East,
Detroit, MI 48205
(313) 372-4100
Hours of Operation:
Monday-Friday: 10 AM to 5 PM
Saturday and Sunday: Closed
Thank you for reading this blog post!!!
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