Nothing Special   »   [go: up one dir, main page]
Scribd Logo
Upload

Welcome to Scribd!

  • 6 views

    What Is HBP Medicine

    Uploaded by

    Karissa

    Copyright:

    © All Rights Reserved
    Download as PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd

    What Is HBP Medicine

    Uploaded by

    Karissa
    6 views2 pages

    Original Title

    What-Is-HBP-Medicine

    Copyright

    © © All Rights Reserved

    Available Formats

    PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd

    Did you find this document useful?

    Is this content inappropriate?

    Copyright:

    © All Rights Reserved
    Download as PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
    Download as pdf or txt
    6 views2 pages

    What Is HBP Medicine

    Uploaded by

    Karissa

    Copyright:

    © All Rights Reserved
    Download as PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
    Download as pdf or txt
    of 2

    ANSWERS Lifestyle + Risk Reduction

    by heart High Blood Pressure

    What Is
    High Blood Pressure
    Medication?
    When your blood pressure is high, medication
    is an important part of your treatment
    plan. Your health care professional will likely
    recommend lifestyle changes along with your
    medication. You may need one or more types
    of medication to keep your blood pressure at a
    healthy level.

    Every person reacts differently to medication.


    You may need a trial period before you find
    the best one, or combination of medications, Taking your medication the way your health care professional tells
    for you. you to is key to reducing your blood pressure.

    What should I know about high blood The following medications relax and widen blood vessels.
    pressure medication? This allows blood to flow more easily, which lowers blood
    pressure.
    • Different medications work in unique ways to help lower
    your blood pressure. • Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors

    • High blood pressure medication only works when you take • Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs)
    it as prescribed. • Calcium channel blockers
    • You shouldn’t stop taking your medication without your • Direct renin inhibitors
    health care professional’s approval. • Alpha blockers
    • Managing blood pressure is a lifelong effort. Treatment • Central alpha-2 agonists
    usually continues even after your blood pressure is
    lowered. This keeps your blood pressure in a normal range. • Blood vessel dilators, or direct vasodilators

    Another medication, called beta-blockers, helps your


    What types of medication may be prescribed? heart beat slower and with less force. This lowers your
    blood pressure.
    Diuretics are often the first line of treatment. These
    medications are sometimes called “water pills.” They help Your health care professional will prescribe the
    control blood pressure by removing excess sodium (salt) medication, or combination of medications, that they
    and water from your body through urination. If diuretics decide is best for you. If medication cost is an issue for
    don’t lower your blood pressure enough, you may also be you, let your health care team know. They may suggest
    prescribed other medication. a medication that costs less. Also ask about patient
    assistance programs.

    (continued)
    What Is High Blood Pressure Medication?

    What are the side effects? How can I remember to take my medication?
    Some high blood pressure medications can affect certain It can be hard to remember to take your medication. To be
    body functions. This may result in side effects. But the safe, you must take it properly. These are some good ways:
    benefits of using the medications outweigh the risk of side • Take your medication at the same time each day.
    effects in most people.
    • Take medication along with daily events, such as
    Some common side effects that may occur include: brushing your teeth.
    • Weakness, tiredness • Feeling thirsty • Use a weekly pill box with separate sections for each day
    or drowsiness • Cough or time of day.
    • Erectile dysfunction • Muscle cramps • Ask family and friends to help remind you.
    • Trouble sleeping • Headache, dizziness or • Use a medication calendar.
    • Slow or fast heartbeat light-headedness • Set a reminder on your smartphone.
    • Skin rash • Constipation or diarrhea

    If you are having side effects, don’t stop taking your


    medication to avoid them. Work with your health care
    professional to find the medication or dose that works
    best for you.

    HOW CAN I LEARN MORE? Do you have


    questions for your MY QUEST ION S:
    Call 1-800-AHA-USA1 (1-800-242-8721)
    or visit heart.org to learn more about doctor or nurse?
    heart disease and stroke. Take a few minutes to
    write down questions
    Sign up for our monthly Heart Insight for the next time you
    e-news for heart patients and their see your health care
    families at HeartInsight.org. professional.
    Connect with others sharing similar For example:
    journeys with heart disease and stroke
    Should I avoid any foods
    by joining our Support Network at
    or medications?
    heart.org/SupportNetwork.
    What reactions or side
    effects should I expect?

    We have many other fact sheets to help you make healthier choices to reduce your risk for heart disease,
    manage your condition or care for a loved one. Visit heart.org/AnswersByHeart to learn more.

    © Copyright 2024 American Heart Association, Inc., a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit. All rights reserved. Unauthorized use prohibited. WF555312 5/24

    You might also like