First, a review of 8 classes of high blood pressure drugs, their actions and their common "listed" side effects:
ACE Inhibitors - [Accupril (Quinapril); Aceon (Perindopril); Altace (Ramipril); Lotensin (Benazepril); Capoten (Captopril); Vasotec (Enalapril); Monopril (Fosinopril); Prinivil, Zestril (Lisinopril); Univasc (Moexipril); Mavik (Trandolapril)]
Function: Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors do not allow your body to make angiotensin II - a natural substance that our bodies produce, among other things, can cause our blood vessels to constrict, thicken and harden. Angiotensin II also causes the release of a hormone associated with increased water and sodium in the body.
The most common side effect is a dry cough. More rare side effects include dizziness, dizziness, rash, loss of appetite, elevated levels of potassium in the blood, changes in the taste of foods and swelling. ACE inhibitors are also associated with congenital defects. Some painkillers reduce the effectiveness of ACE inhibitors.
Alpha blockers - [Cardura (Doazosin); Minipress (Prazosin); Hytrin (Terazosin); Flomax (Tamsulosin); Uroxatral (Alfuzosin)]
Function: These drugs stop the hormone norepinephrine (norepinephrine) from squeezing the muscles surrounding the veins, smaller arms and other muscles through the body.
Side Effects: “The Effect of the First Dose” - at the first taking of alpha blockers, in some people the blood pressure, dizziness and feeling of weakness when sitting or standing up is sharply reduced. Additional side effects include: headache, pounding heartbeat, nausea, weakness and weight gain.
Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers - [Atacand (Candesartan); Teveten (Eprosartan); Avapro (Irbesarten); Cozaar (Losarten); Benicar (Olmesarten); Micardis (Telmisartan); Diovan (Valsartan)]
Function: These drugs block the action (rather than production) of angiotensin II - (see Above with ACE inhibitors for more information about angiotensin II).
Side effects (relatively rare) include: diarrhea, dizziness, headache, lightheadedness, pain in the back and leg, congestion in the sinuses, renal failure, liver failure, allergic reaction, decreased white blood cells and a tumor. Angiotensin II receptor blockers are also associated with congenital defects.
Beta blockers - [Sectral (Acebutolol); Tenormin (Atenolol); Zebeta (Bisoprolol); Coreg (Cardedilol); Lopressor, Toprol XL (Metoprolol); Corgard (Nadolol); Bystolic (Nebivolol); Inderal LA (Propranolol)]
Function: Beta-blockers (beta-adrenergic blocking agents) block adrenaline (adrenaline), causing the heart to slow down and open the blood vessels.
Common side effects include: cold hands, dizziness, fatigue and weakness. Less common side effects include depression, decreased libido (sex drive), insomnia (sleep problems), and shortness of breath. Beta blockers can cause severe asthma attacks. They can also block low blood sugar readings (for example, a racing pulse) in diabetics. Beta blockers can affect cholesterol and triglyceride levels, usually temporarily. Abrupt cessation of beta blockers may increase the risk of heart attack and other heart problems.
Calcium channel blockers - [Norvasc (Amplodipine); Cardizem LA, Dilacor XR, Tiazac (Diltiazem); Plendil (Felodipine); DynaCirc CR (Isradipine); Cardene, Cardene SR (Nicardipine); Procardia, Procardia XL, Adalat CC (Nifedipine); Sular (Nisoldipine); Calan, Verelan, Covera-HS (Verapamil)]
Function: calcium channel blockers (calcium antagonists) inhibit calcium ions from falling into the cell walls of the heart and muscles surrounding the blood vessels, forcing them to relax (it needs calcium ions (Ca2 +), cell membrane) to contract muscles.
Common side effects include: constipation, drowsiness, redness, headache, nausea, rapid pulse, swelling in the lower limbs and legs. Some calcium channel blockers react with grapefruit and foods that contain grapefruit, blocking the liver from properly removing them from the blood, leading to dangerous concentrations.
Medium Term Agents - [Catapres (Clonidine); Tenex (Guanfacine); Methyldopa]
Function: Medium active substances (central adrenergic inhibitors, central alpha agonists, central agonists) work directly in the brain, blocking signals to speed up the heart rhythm or constrict blood vessels. This class of drug is less commonly prescribed due to severe side effects.
Side effects include: constipation, depression, dizziness, dry mouth, drowsiness, fatigue, headache, impotence, impaired thinking and weight gain. Abrupt cessation of intake can cause dangerous surges in blood pressure, especially when using a beta blocker.
Diuretics
Diuretics come in three classes:
Thiazide diuretics - [Diuril (Chlorothiazide); Hydrochlorothiazide; Zaroxolyn (Metolazone)]
Loop Diuretics - [Bumex (Bumetanide); Edecrin (Ethcrynic acid); Lasix (Furosemide); Demadex (Torsemide)]
Potassium-sparing diuretics -[Amyloridining(trimterin);Inspra(Eplerenone);Aldactone(spironolactone)[AmilorideDyrenium(Trimterene);Inspra(Eplerenone);Aldactone(Spironolactone)[Амилориддириний(тримтерин);Inspra(Eplerenone);Алдактон(спиронолактон)[AmilorideDyrenium(Trimterene);Inspra(Eplerenone);Aldactone(Spironolactone)
Function: Diuretics work by causing the kidneys to excrete sodium and water in the urine, which results in less fluid in the blood and, consequently, lower blood pressure.
Side effects include: Increased urination (most often with loop diuretics, for some people this happens within a few weeks), too much potassium in the blood (with potassium-saving diuretics), too little potassium in the blood (with thiazide diuretics), an increase in blood sugar , increased cholesterol, erectile dysfunction (ED, impotence), low blood sodium, rash, gout (inflammation of the joints) and menstrual disorders.
Vasodilators - [Hydralzine, Minoxidil]
Function: Vasodilators cause the opening of blood vessels. Their exact mechanisms are not fully understood. It is believed that hydrazine prevents the release of calcium ions in the muscles surrounding the blood vessels, causing them to relax. Minoxidil monoxide contains an element of nitric oxide, which can deceive blood vessels.
Side effects include chest pain, dizziness, redness, headache, fluid retention, rapid heartbeat, nausea, sinus congestion, racing heart rate, vomiting, and excessive hair growth. *
(* Fascinating note: you heard about Rogain [Regaine in some countries] hair growth product that you see on tv? In a similar story, there was another high blood pressure drug that floated in clinical trials, but it had some other unexpected and rather interesting side effects ... Viagra.)
What is the most dangerous side effect of the drug that is caused by blood pressure No. 1 — that you won't find on the label?
Complacency and a false sense of security.
Blood pressure drugs are symptoms, but they do not cure defective causes of symptoms. For example, if someone cannot cope with their stress, the blood pressure medication becomes “conducive” simply by preventing more complex problems with stress. In the absence of a root cause, the “need” for a drug increases. Would it not be more appropriate to first consider the cause?
There are really a minority of people who, having constantly tried all the natural ways of lowering blood pressure, still take the best medicine for blood pressure. The rest of the question must be asked, what deeper dangers are drugs that simply disguise and what are the costs of their entire picture of health?
(The drug information in this article is an informative review only, not a diagnostic tool. Your health needs are unique.)
