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Properly selected drugs for hypertension should bring measurable results. However, a lot depends on the cooperation between the doctor and the patient, as well as the regularity of taking medications. How is pharmacological therapy selected? We check how statins work, as well as over-the-counter hypertension medications.
Hypertension drugs – how should they be selected?
The patient’s physician selects antihypertensive drugs (lowering blood pressure) in such a way that they are adjusted to the age. He often tries to minimize the doses so that the patient can take a maximum of two or three tablets a day. This is due to the fact that the doctor is aware of the fact that some patients forget to regularly dose medications (not only those for hypertension).
In the case of the elderly, pharmacotherapy for hypertension often has to be combined with pharmacotherapy with tablets that inhibit other chronic diseases. The doctor’s task is therefore to select the drugs that will work together perfectly. Some active ingredients are mutually exclusive, inhibiting their action. In the case of drugs for hypertension, it is important not only to select them by a doctor, but also to take the doses regularly and systematically. If a patient has a tendency to forget a dosage, they can set an alarm on their cell phone. In the case of older people, a special headband for a senior may be helpful.
Drugs for hypertension – six classes of antihypertensive drugs
Currently, there are six groups of antihypertensive drugs on the pharmacological market:
- angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI) – prevent the increase in blood pressure, and also minimize the production of certain proteins responsible for the hypertrophy of the heart muscle;
- angiotensin receptor antagonists (ARB) – used in the case of high blood pressure, heart failure, left ventricular hypertrophy, kidney disease, diabetes, atrial fibrillation;
- thiazide diuretics – diuretics dosed to patients who, apart from hypertension, suffer from heart failure, chronic kidney disease or are after a heart attack;
- beta-adrenergic blockers (beta-blockers) – used when, in addition to high blood pressure, the patient suffers from migraine, glaucoma, ischemic heart disease or arrhythmias. Beta-blockers can also be administered to pregnant women;
- calcium channel blockers – administered to patients who, apart from hypertension, have ischemic heart disease, atherosclerosis, left ventricular hypertrophy;
- alpha-blockers – administered to patients suffering from hypertension, mainly men with benign prostatic hyperplasia.
Over-the-counter Hypertension Drugs – Are They Effective?
There are also over-the-counter medications for high blood pressure in the pharmacy that can be effective and cause fewer side effects than those prescribed by a doctor on a prescription. However, the pharmacist is not able to select the appropriate dose for the patient, therefore taking each new drug should be consulted with the attending physician. When choosing over-the-counter drugs or supplements, it’s worth checking their quality.
Good quality blood pressure regulators are available on Medonet Market. All the supplements offered there come from reliable suppliers who guarantee their highest quality. If you want to regulate your blood pressure, we recommend the Coenzyme Q10 Synergy with taurine dietary supplement, the natural composition of which strengthens the cardiovascular system and supports the body in its proper functioning. Another completely natural product is Harmonix 500 ml containing extracts of 10 herbs. In addition to regulating blood pressure, it also supports the digestive and nervous systems, strengthens immunity and helps in the fight against insomnia.
You can try supplements with plant extracts, such as the elixir for pressure with garlic, hawthorn, lemon balm and olive leaf or the elixir of mistletoe, which, apart from supporting the regulation of blood pressure, have an impact on maintaining normal blood cholesterol levels.