Blood pressure medication - which is the best?

blood pressure medications

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Best Blood Pressure Medications

Blood pressure refers to the amount of force that’s exerted on the walls of the arteries when blood flows through. High blood pressure which is also commonly called hypertension has become quite a common problem these days. In fact, in America, around 75 million people in America, around 75 million people are living with high blood pressure. That’s why knowing about the best blood pressure medication available is important to improve quality of life.

What Causes High Blood Pressure?

The factors that cause hypertension can be divided into two different categories; secondary and essential high blood pressure. While there are no definite causes of essential high blood pressure, there is always an underlying cause for secondary high blood pressure.

While no cause has been linked to essential high blood pressure yet, the following risk factors can contribute to developing the condition:

Age

As you grow older, the risk of becoming a victim of hypertension increases.

Family History

You might experience high blood pressure if your family is known to have a history of hypertension. If family members close to you have hypertension, then your chances of developing it dramatically increase.

Obesity

As compared to people with an average weight, obese and overweight people have a higher chance of developing hypertension.

Smoking

Due to smoking, the blood vessels become narrow which eventually leads to higher blood pressure. Moreover, smoking reduces the amount of oxygen in the blood. As a result, to compensate for the loss of oxygen, the heart pumps blood much faster leading to an increase in blood pressure.

Intake of Alcohol

Research suggests that those that tend to drink on a regular basis are known to have higher blood pressure as compared to people that don’t.

A greater amount of salt

According to research, societies in which salt is taken in a low amount hardly have victims of hypertension. Meanwhile, in places where salt is excessively taken, chances of hypertension are much more.

Diets rich in fat

Health professionals suggest that a diet which is high in fat raises the risk of developing hypertension. However, according to many dietitians, the problem isn’t the amount of fat. Instead, the problem is the kind of fat consumed. The fat that comes from omega oils, olive oil, nuts, avocados, and other plants are beneficial for you. On the other hand, saturated fats that come from animal-sourced fats are damaging to health.

Stress

Numerous studies suggest that mental stress, particularly one that persists over a long term can severely impact the blood pressure.

Symptoms of High Blood Pressure

While symptoms vary from one individual to the next, some common symptoms include nosebleeds, double or blurred vision, headache, dizziness, nausea, breathlessness, vomiting, and palpitations.

Properly Treating High Blood Pressure

Managing high hypertension is not only possible with blood pressure medication but also with the following too:

You'll need to hit the gym

Exercising for at least half an hour to up to one hour for five days per week contributes significantly to lowering the blood pressure of a person by 4 to up to 9 mmHg. Once you begin exercising, you’ll be able to see its benefits in just a short time, particularly if you have been eating healthy and sleeping enough. However, before you start any exercise regime, make sure you talk to your doctor because exercise must be tailored according to the health and the needs of the patient of hypertension.

Remember, the only way to succeed is to exercise regularly. Taking the week off and only exercising on the weekends will hardly produce any results.

Get rid of all those pounds

According to studies, even weight loss in a moderate amount can lead to a big impact in bringing down the increased blood pressure. As an overweight person, the closer you are to your ideal weight, the higher the chances are of your blood pressure remaining at normal levels. Plus, a high blood pressure medication is more effective when you are near the ideal weight.

Note that cutting down the inches on your waistline produces the greatest effect, and the only way to achieve a healthy body is to maintain a perfect balance between good diet, exercise, and a sufficient amount of quality sleep every night.

Focus on staying calm

Research suggests that incorporating a stress-management approach and a relaxation response along with other lifestyle modifications can improve the treatment of hypertension significantly.

Keep an eye on what you eat

Managing and controlling your diet is one effective way of not only preventing but also treating hypertension. To manage hypertension, you must eat a sufficient amount of vegetables and fruits along with omega oils, vegetable oils, and unrefined high-quality carbohydrates. Remember that if you do prefer to eat animal products, then you must ensure that fat is trimmed. Also, make sure to avoid processed meats.

Say bye to salt

Studies suggest that cutting down salt even in a moderate amount can lower the levels of blood pressure by 2 to up to 8 mmHg.

Keep drinking to a minimum

According to some studies, consuming alcohol can lower blood pressure. Meanwhile, some reports suggest the exact opposite. In a small quantity, alcohol can lower the blood pressure. However, drinking too much and in some cases, drinking a moderate amount can also lead to a rise in the blood pressure. Regardless, people that drink moderate amounts on a regular basis are more likely to experience raised blood pressure.

Coffee isn't always good

There are numerous studies that discuss the effect caffeine has on blood pressure. While there are many conflicting outcomes, there is one common conclusion; people with hypertension must moderate the amount of caffeine taken.

The Best Blood Pressure Medication Available For You!

Some of the best blood pressure medications include the following:

Accupril (Quinapril)

ACE inhibitors are known to be quite effective for managing blood pressure. One such ACE inhibitor is Accupril which is also used for treating conditions such as congestive heart disease.

Cardura (Doxazosin)

While this medication is used for treating symptoms of an enlarged prostate such as urinary frequency and difficulty urinating, Cardura is also used either alone or with other medicines for treating hypertension.

Benicar (Olmesartan)

Belonging to a drug class known as angiotensin II receptor antagonists, Benicar not only lowers the blood pressure but improves the flow of blood as well. It blocks the function of a few chemicals that narrow down the blood vessels. As a result, blood flows more smoothly.

Other reliable high blood pressure medication names include:

Accuretic (quinapril/HCTZ)

Aldactone (spironolactone)

Altace (Ramipril)

Avapro (Irbesartan)

Benicar HCT (Olmesartan HCT)

Bystolic (Nebivolol)

Cardizem CD (Diltaizem CD)

Corgard (Nadolol)

Cozaar (Losartan)

Diovan (Valsartan)

Exforge (Amlodipine/Valsartan)

Inderal LA (Propranolol LA)

Lotensin HCT (benazepril/HCTZ)

Micardis HCT (Telmisartan/Hydrochlorothiazide)

Wrapping It Up

When it comes to finding the best blood pressure mediation, there’s a lot to choose from. That’s why it’s essential you consult your doctor and pair the recommended high blood pressure medication with exercise, proper diet, etc. for having a better life.


IMPORTANT NOTE: The above information is intended to increase awareness of health information and does not suggest treatment or diagnosis. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.


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