How To Treat High Or Low Blood Pressure

The aim of any blood pressure treatment is to remove the pressure, positive or negative, and restore the blood to its normal level. There are two blood pressure levels which the experts consider as ideal.

The usually accepted target is to reduce blood pressure to below 140/90. Some say it should be below 140/85. But with regards to the levels, your doctor will make the final decision, because he knows your medical history. You might have certain other complications, for which he has to give allowance and due consideration.

The types of medications used to control blood pressure are many. Predominantly, there are five main classes of medicines that are used to control blood pressure. Each company may have its own brand and there are many over-the-counter medicines available.

Diuretics (water tablet) are one such medications available, either through prescription or over-the-counter. It is the most accepted system for treating blood pressure in the UK. A low dose of a diuretic is needed to treat high blood pressure. The most commonly used diuretic in treating high blood pressure is bendroflumethiazide. Other diuretics include:

1. Chlorothiazide

2. Chlorthalidone

3. Cyclopenthiazide

4. Hydrochlorothiazide

5. Indapamide

How do these tablets work?

The idea of these tablets is to increase the mount of salt and fluid that you pass out in your urine. The fluid in circulation is reduced, which in effect, reduces the blood pressure. It might also have a relaxing effect on the blood vessels and they, in turn, reduce the pressure within the blood vessels.

The principle adopted for the diuretic type of treatment is available in certain fruits and herbs, the importance of which is being gradually understood by researchers and scientists. Take garlic, for example. Garlic is regarded as one of the most effective remedies to lower blood pressure. The pressure and tension in the blood vessels are reduced because garlic has the power to ease the spasm of the small arteries. It also slows the pulse and modifies the heart rhythm, besides relieving the symptoms of dizziness, shortness of breath and the formation of gas within the digestive track. These days, garlic capsules are also available. An average dosage of two to three capsules a day is given to make a dent in abnormal blood pressure levels.

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There are many different types of medications that are suitable for the treatment of high blood pressure and heart disease. Not all are effective and not all of them work in the same way.

An Ace inhibitor is a good medication that is used to treat hypertension by halting the production of angiotensin II, which is a naturally occurring bodily hormone that works against the arteries, making them narrower and potentially increasing blood pressure levels. When the hormone is depleted, the arteries stay wide open, allowing a steadier and more normal flow of blood to the heart, which in turn lowers blood pressure.

Brands of Ace Inhibitors

Benazepril, Enalapril and Lisinopril are the three most commonly used Ace inhibitors. These inhibitors are generally used to treat far more severe cases of high blood pressure and are not the first medication used after the first diagnosis. In an ideal world, people should stick to a healthy diet and exercise plan, as these are the best treatments and preventions of high blood pressure, but sadly, this is not the case. A diuretic will be administered after using the inhibitors, designed to flush out the system and encourage the release of blood pressure.

Lotensin (benazepril), Vasotec (enalapril), Prinivil and Zestril (lisinopril) are the manufacturing and marketing brand names for the most commonly used Ace inhibitors. Each of the inhibitors works in much the same way, by relaxing the arteries and helping to increase the flow of blood slowly, so as not to inadvertently cause a heart attack.

The Ace inhibitors do carry side effects, mostly undesirable, including cough, sore throat, fever, and mouth sores. Some other, less painful or aggravating side effects include an itchy, red skin rash, swelling of the neck, face or tongue, or a salty or metallic taste in the mouth. These side effects are not very common, but it is best to know what you may be getting yourself into.

Your potassium levels may elevate slightly during a course of the inhibitors. Some medicines, like diuretics, dramatically reduce the levels of potassium in the body, bringing health risks with it. It is important to keep a regular check on your potassium levels, because too much potassium in your body can cause you to be nervous, depressed, confused and sometimes you may feel a tingling sensation in the hands and/or feet.

Whilst people are encouraged to keep an eye on their salt intake if they have been diagnosed with high blood pressure, it is best not to use any kind of salt substitute as they too contain potassium. Anti-inflammatory drugs like Advil, Motrin, Aleve or aspirin can and usually do affect the way the inhibitor works in a negative way, and sometimes can completely interrupt the drugs from working.

Trial and error is usually the doctor’s main approach. They will try to avoid using any or many drugs that cause side effects, meaning that these trials can go on for years before the doctor manages to find a treatment that is right for the individual patient. A low dosage of a reasonably low risk and non-intrusive drug will be the first option when attempting to control high blood pressure or hypertension.

As previously stated, lots of high blood pressure medications carry side effects. As a result of this, you may wish to, or even be required to take a course of medications to counter act the side effects. This is not always possible because some of these types of medication may interrupt the normal use of the Ace inhibitors.

As always, the more natural the treatment the better. You can go and receive advice from any qualified doctor, who will then recommend the best course of action for you to take. There are little or no side effects associated with natural techniques on treating high blood pressure, but if you wish to or need to take on a medical approach, the Ace inhibitors are some of the best and most effective high blood pressure medications around at the moment.

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