Hypertension is called high blood pressure. This pathology is diagnosed in almost every third inhabitant of the planet and requires appropriate correction, as it leads to severe complications in the form of a stroke or cardiovascular disease.
Today, there are many drugs on the pharmacological market that help fight hypertension. Always consult your doctor before taking blood pressure medication.
The main groups of drugs that eliminate hypertension
Medications that lower blood pressure to normal levels are called antihypertensives. They are classified not only by effectiveness, but also by the method of pharmacological action.
The following main groups of antihypertensive drugs are distinguished:
- neurotropic drugs that reduce the tone of the sympathetic nervous system;
- drugs that inhibit renin-angiotensin;
- myotropic drugs that dilate blood vessels;
- diuretics;
- calcium antagonists and sartans.
Neurotropic antihypertensivecentral action aids
Among this group of drugs, Clonidine, Moxonidine, as well as Methyldopa or Guanfacine are most often prescribed.
The drug "Clonidine" stimulates adrenoreceptors of the medulla oblongata and inhibitory vagus neurons, which are able to suppress the vasomotor center. This reduces the stimulation of the vessels and the heart, which leads to a decrease in cardiac output and vascular tone, causing a decrease in blood pressure.
As a rule, this drug is used for hypertensive crisis. It should be noted that with its long-term use, a certain sedative effect may occur, which is accompanied by dry mouth, depression and impotence. Clonidine may cause a withdrawal syndrome, characterized by a sharp increase in blood pressure.
Moxonidine, a pharmacological agent that reduces the activity of the vasomotor center, can be used for long-term treatment of hypertension, since the withdrawal syndrome is mild.
The drugs "Methyldopa" and "Guanfacine" stimulate alpha-adrenergic receptors, effectively reduce blood pressure, but are characterized by a number of side effects (nausea, impaired liver function, amenorrhea, dizziness and depression).
Peripheral neurotropic antihypertensives
Drugs that reduce blood pressure by acting on sympathetic innervation are divided into three groups:
- acting on sympathetic ganglia (ganglion blockers);
- affectingadrenoreceptors of the heart and blood vessels (blockers);
- which manifest their action at the level of postganglionic fibers of the sympathetic NS (sympatholytics).
Ganglioblockers (for example, drugs "Trimetafan", "Azamethonium") weaken myocardial contractility and dilate blood vessels, which leads to a hypotensive effect. These drugs are not suitable for systematic use, since they are characterized by a number of side effects - they cause severe hypotension, tachycardia and dry mouth, as well as intestinal atony and sexual dysfunction.
Sympatholytics (for example, drugs "Guanitedin" or "Reserpine") - drugs that lower blood pressure by reducing the synthesis of norepinephrine. They are characterized by a long-term hypotensive effect, which persists even after drug withdrawal.
Adrenoblockers (Prazosin, Tenormin, Labetalol) are prescribed most often, since they relieve hypertension for a long time and exhibit antiarrhythmic properties.
Renin-angiotensin inhibitor drugs
The following remedies help lower blood pressure:
- The drug "Accupro" reduces the activity of ACE and reduces the synthesis of bradykinin, dilates blood vessels. It can be used not only for hypertension, but also in the presence of heart failure.
- Medication "Captopril" reduces the resistance of peripheral vessels, pressure in the pulmonary circulation and the right atrium, is prescribed for hypertensive crisis, as well as for systemic therapy of high blood pressure.
- Effectively lower blood pressure helps the combined drug "Capozid". It contains captopril and hypothiazide, so it can be used for persistent hypertension.
- Means "Lizinopril" - for a long time reduces blood pressure, is prescribed for various forms of hypertension. If the dosage prescribed by the doctor is not followed, dizziness, headache, nausea and cough, as well as orthostatic hypotension and an allergic rash, may occur. In severe cases, the liver and kidneys are damaged.
Myotropic agents in the treatment of hypertension
Myotropic drugs are drugs that relax blood vessels and cause them to dilate, resulting in a hypotensive effect.
The most commonly prescribed is the following:
- The drug "Nitroglycerin" - is used in hypertensive crisis, reduces the load on the myocardium in acute heart failure, effectively expands the veins and arteries.
- Means "Sodium Nitroprusside" - is an effective vasodilator. It is prescribed for left ventricular failure and during operations (may lower blood pressure).
- Medication "Minoxidil" - used in severe forms of hypertension, when other drugs are ineffective.
- The drug "Hydralazine" - exhibits a selective effect, expanding only some arteries, can provoke reflex tachycardia.
- The drug "Bevdazol" - in addition to hypotonic effects, has an immunostimulating effect, easily eliminates hypertoniccrisis.
- Means "Magnesium Sulfate" - dilates blood vessels and inhibits the vasomotor center, and is also characterized by anticonvulsant properties.
Diuretics
This group of medicines is used for uncomplicated hypertension. Diuretics are classified into several groups. Which drugs lower blood pressure most effectively is determined by the doctor, who takes into account the form of hypertension and the characteristics of its course.
The following groups are distinguished among diuretics:
- thiazide drugs ("Cyclomethiazide", "Ezidrek") - are prescribed in small doses in complex therapy, as they negatively affect metabolism;
- thiazide-like drugs (Hydrochlorothiazide, Xipamide, Metolazone);
- loop diuretics ("Lasix", "Ethacrynic acid", "Piretadine", "Torasemide") - exhibit a pronounced diuretic effect, remove calcium, magnesium, sodium, and potassium from the body, are used for hypertension (in emergency cases), as well as chronic heart failure;
- potassium-sparing drugs ("Mannitol", "Amiloride", "Isobar") - never used for monotherapy, but only in combination with thiazide drugs.
Calcium antagonists and sartans
Calcium antagonists are prescribed for hypertension, especially if high blood pressure is diagnosed in pregnant women or patients with concomitant atherosclerotic changes in peripheral vessels.
It should be remembered that with heart failure or duringafter a heart attack, calcium antagonists are contraindicated.
Sartans are drugs that block angiotensin receptors. By the mechanism of action, they are similar to ACE inhibitors, but are more easily tolerated by patients, since they rarely cause side effects. In addition, these drugs protect the brain and have a restorative effect after a stroke, improve kidney function and positively affect the functioning of the left ventricle of the heart.
What lowers blood pressure in a person with persistent hypertension? It all depends on the individual characteristics of the organism and the response to ongoing pharmacological therapy. As a rule, complex therapy turns out to be the most effective, which includes not only taking medications, but also alternative methods of treatment, an appropriate diet and a proper lifestyle with refraining from drinking alcohol and smoking, which can also provoke an increase in pressure.
Valocordin for hypotonic therapy
Means "Valocordin" is a combination drug that reveals a complex pharmacological action. It contains phenobarbital, which has a sedative and vasodilating effect, and also has a mild hypnotic effect. Ethyl bromisovalerianate, which is also a component of Valocordin, has a sedative and antispasmodic effect, and peppermint oil causes dilatation of blood vessels, therefore eliminating their spasm.
The drug "Valocordin" is used for functional disorders of the cardiovascularvascular system, neurosis and insomnia, as well as with excitement, which is accompanied by pronounced vegetative reactions, including an increase in blood pressure.
Take it before meals, 20 drops three times a day. Even children are allowed to use this drug, as it is well tolerated.
It should be noted that hypertension should not always be considered as a pathology. Even in he althy people, pressure can increase and be predetermined by physical exertion, stress or weather sensitivity. In this case, a light sedative (including Valocordin) lowers blood pressure, improving well-being. So, periodic hypertension of a similar etiology should not be eliminated with antihypertensive drugs. You need to focus on the level of diastolic pressure. If it exceeds 90 mm Hg. Art., then this is already a reason to see a doctor.
Herbal treatment for hypertension
Many people don't know which herbs lower blood pressure. One of the most effective remedies is mistletoe. It must be remembered that this is a poisonous plant, so you should strictly adhere to the recommended dosage. So, 1 tsp. this plant should be poured with a glass of boiling water and insisted for 30 minutes, then strain and take first 2 tbsp. l. three times a day, and then for maintenance treatment according to Art. l. twice a day.
It is useful for all hypertensive patients to take an infusion of hawthorn berries and flowers. It strengthens blood vessels and normalizes their tone, reducing pressure. An infusion of this plant cancook at home, bay 1 tbsp. l. raw materials with a glass of boiling water, or buy a pharmacy infusion and take 40 drops before meals three times a day.
In the early stages of hypertension, motherwort herb infusion is effective as it has a calming effect on the nervous system.
If we talk about what herbs lower blood pressure, we should also mention red clover, valerian, flax seeds and viburnum.
Diet for hypertension
With a tendency to increase pressure, it is important to organize nutrition in such a way as to prevent an increase in cholesterol, which provokes the deposition of plaques on the walls of blood vessels and is a provoking factor for the development of hypertension.
Hypertensive patients are advised to exclude the following from their diet:
- meat broths, eggs, smoked meats and lard;
- spicy food and alcohol;
- should limit the amount of s alt, which retains water and contributes to hypertension;
- pastry and sweets that cause rapid weight gain, which can negatively affect blood pressure.
You can lower the pressure if you increase the amount of the following products:
- fish;
- vegetables and fruits, especially beets, zucchini and pumpkin, Jerusalem artichoke, onion and garlic, lemon, persimmon and bananas, as well as grapes and peaches;
- ginger lowers blood pressure by reducing the tone of the sympathetic nervous system, so it should also be included in the diet for hypertension;
- seafood;
- buckwheat;
- dried fruits.
Drinks that lower blood pressure
Unfortunately, hypertension is a fairly common problem faced not only by the elderly, but also by young people. There are many methods of dealing with this violation. Complex therapy may include the use of special medicinal teas.
One of the he althiest drinks is hibiscus, also known as hibiscus. The effect of tea from the flowers of this plant, subject to regular use, can be equated to the pharmacological action of antihypertensive drugs.
Hibiscus contains anthocyanins (flavonoids), which strengthen the walls of blood vessels and regulate blood pressure (when cold, tea reveals a hypotonic effect, and when hot, on the contrary, it increases blood pressure). This tea also protects the heart from free radical damage due to its antioxidant properties.
Reduces blood pressure and drinking green tea, linden tea, juice from strawberries, grapes, tomatoes, blackcurrants and rowanberries, as well as cranberries and beets.
For hypertension, it is also recommended to dilute three drops of aloe juice in a teaspoon of cold water and take it on an empty stomach once a day for about two months.
Conclusion
There is no person who has not heard of hypertension or has not personally experienced manifestations of high blood pressure. As a rule, this disorder is an independent disease, although it may be the result of other pathologies. So,damage to the kidneys, lungs, cardiovascular system, or endocrine glands may be accompanied by fluctuations in blood pressure.
If not treated appropriately, this pathology can lead to myocardial infarction, stroke and visual impairment. Hypertension significantly impairs the quality of life and can lead to disability of the patient.
That is why pharmaceutical laboratories are constantly working on the development of more and more effective antihypertensive drugs. There are a wide range of drugs on the market that can lower blood pressure, but it should be remembered that their isolated use rarely gives a lasting positive effect.
High blood pressure diagnosed. How to lower it and prevent a number of serious complications?
It is important that pharmacological treatment is prescribed exclusively by a doctor. Hypertension patients should eat right, avoid stress and hard physical work, include in their diet foods that have a positive effect on the cardiovascular system, and treat concomitant diseases that can provoke an increase in blood pressure in a timely manner.
