Side Effects Of Blood Pressure Medications

All blood pressure medication should lower blood pressure but in addition they can produce some undesirable side effects. Type of medication alter basic body functions not only in the blood vessels but in the nervous system and kidneys as well. Because all of the systems in the body are interconnected even drugs that effect only one type of molecule in the body will produce some type of side effect.


Beta Blockers:


A common type of blood pressure medication like beta blockers are used to control cardiac arrhythmia or irregular heart beat. Beta blockers limit the ability of the heart to beat faster and as a result they reduce the ability of a person to exercise. Fatigue and the ability to react to the basic flight or fight response during an emergency situation is severely reduced. In June of 2006 the United Kingdom downgraded the use of beta-blockers for the elderly because of the increased risk of provoking type 2 diabetes. Other drugs were found to be much better in controlling high blood pressure.


Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE) Inhibitors:


Lisinopril is in a class of drugs called angiotensin-converting-enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. It is used to lower blood pressure by decreasing certain chemicals in the blood that tighten the blood vessels. In other words, lisinopril will dilate the blood vessels so blood flows more smoothly and the heart can pump blood more efficiently using less pressure. It is also used to treat congestive heart failure and to improve the survival rate after a heart attack. The most common side effect of Lisinopril is a violent, non-productive cough, dizziness, fatigue and flue like symptoms. Another side effect, though not very common but it is dangerous is a pounding or uneven heartbeat.


Diuretics:


Diuretics are used to treat blood pressure problems by stimulating the kidneys to flush excess fluid and sodium from the human body. Less blood volume allows the heart to move the blood easier throughout the body. Loss of potassium, dry mouth and dehydration are the most common side effects of diuretics.


Calcium Channel Blockers:


Calcium channel blockers (CCBs) keeps the blood vessels and heart from absorbing calcium which causes the blood vessels to relax. Calcium causes the heart to contract and the blood vessels to contract. CCBs are also used to slow the heart rate and are used for treating an abnormally rapid heart rate. The most common side effect of calcium channel blockers are headache, nausea, constipation, rash, dizziness and fluid retention.


Alpha Blockers:


Alpha blockers stop certain nerve impulses to the blood vessels causing the vessels to relax. Alpha blockers stop a natural hormone called nor-epinephrine from stimulating the muscles in the walls of the of the smaller blood vessels. The most common side effect of alpha blockers is low blood pressure, dizziness, headache, pounding heart beat, nausea, fatigue, fluid retention and an increase of the cholesterol levels in the blood. Some alpha blockers can increase the risk of heart failure with long term use.


Vasodilators:


Vasodilators directly cause the muscles in the blood vessels walls to relax thus preventing the muscles from tightening and the walls of the blood vessels from narrowing. Side effects of vasodilators are headache, nasal congestion, chest pain, rapid hear beat, pounding heart beat, fluid retention and dizziness. Long term use increase the risk of developing a connective tissue disease called lupus.


Common Vitamins and over the counter products can help with high blood pressure such as diuretics, copper, vitamin B, vitamin A, Quercitin, Potassium, Lecithin and Iron.


Natural diuretics are contained in cranberries, anything that has caffeine and apple cider vinegar. Fruits and vegetables such as watermelon and cucumbers contain a lot of water and will help increase urination. If you are taking COUMADIN then check with your doctor before using cranberry.


There is strong evidence that trace mineral Copper is vital to the tensile strength of the coronary blood vessels.


Vitamin B taken together as a team perform vital biological processes including aiding in the healing process for congestive heart failure and reduces fluid retention. It is required for the development of red blood cells.


Vitamin C has show to reduce cholesterol levels and lowers high blood pressure.


Quercitin is a well known flavonoid. Flavonoids are powerful antioxidants and can reduce inflammation boost the immune system and strengthen blood vessels and improve circulation. Quercitin is also known for its ability to block the release of histamines, thus reducing or preventing allergy symptoms. Take 500 mg twice daily.


Potassium may help prevent high blood pressure and protect against atherosclerosis and reduce the risk of stroke.


Lecithin has the potential to protect against fat clogged arteries when take daily.

Iron is an essential component of hemoglobin, the oxygen carrying substance in red blood cells. Iron is vital for the production of blood by the bone marrow. The single most common cause of anemia is the lack of Iron.


Lifestyle changes can also lower the risk of medical emergencies do to arteriosclerosis. Quit smoking, eat healthy foods, weight loss and get regular exercise. This treatment is often problematic for many to achieve and continue for the long term.


This report is nutritional in nature and not to be construed as medical advice.


Always consult your doctor before using this information.

David Cowley has created numerous articles on heart disease. He has also created a Web Site dedicated to heart disease and how to treat them. Visit Heart Disease

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Is Your Blood Pressure Medication Causing Impotence?

Some common causes of erectile dysfunction are by health conditions, medications, or habits, or lifestyles that interfere with the blood flow to the penis to be able to sustain an erection for sexual intercourse.


Hypertension, or high blood pressure has no known symptoms. It is called the silent killer because you do not know you have it and you feel just fine. It is a major health problem and if it is left untreated can lead to erectile dysfunction, stoke, heart disease and others.


Unlike erectile dysfunction, which is a noticeable condition, high blood pressure does not cause symptoms you can feel or see.


Causes of high blood pressure and erectile dysfunction include the following.

1. High blood pressure keeps the arteries that carry blood into the penis from dilating the way they are supposed to. It also makes the penis lose its ability to relax and as a result, not enough blood flows into the penis to make it erect.


2. Men with high blood pressure may also have a low testosterone level. Testosterone is a male hormone that plays a big role in sexual activity.


3. High blood pressure alone can lead to erectile dysfunction. Some medications for treating high blood pressure such as diuretic otherwise known as water pills, and beta-blockers are the most commonly linked to erectile dysfunction.


4. Levitra is a medication that can undo the side effects of diuretics and beta-blockers, and give you a sustain erection long enough for sexual intercourse.


Diuretics may cause erectile dysfunction by decreasing the force of blood flow into the penis. Beta-blockers dampen nerve impulses that lead to an erection. They also make it more difficult for the arteries in the penis to widen and let the blood into the penis.


Steps to take if your blood pressure medicine causes erection problems


1. Talk to your doctor if you think your medications are causing problems with having an erection.

2. Lower your blood pressure, by diet, exercise or medications.

3. Some medications that treat high blood pressure have been known to cause erectile dysfunction. Certain medications may improve erectile dysfunction for some men.

4. Diuretics, or water pills, and beta-blockers, like Atenolol can cause erection problems. These are likely the drugs that the doctor may prescribe to you to help lower your blood pressure. The doctor may even prescribe a combination of blood pressure medication to reduce the risk of erectile dysfunction so you can be able to produce a sustained erection for sexual pleasure.

5. Ask your doctor if these medications causing problems. You might have to have them changed.


The power to have sexual freedom and take control of your blood pressure is in the palm of you hand. You can treat your erectile dysfunction by controlling your blood pressure by getting it checked regularly; take your medications, diet and exercise on a regular basis.

The most frequently asked questions about erectile disfunction are answered at one website. Learn the common causes and best natural tratements for ED at http://www.erectiledisfunctioncausesandtreatment.com

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