Treatment of Hypertension
Over the last few years, dozens of highly effective antihypertensive drugs have been developed that have truly
revolutionized the treatment of this disease. At one time, the only treatments available for high blood pressure
were surgery, which was not very effective, or an extreme restriction of salt intake, which in some cases meant
living on a diet of mostly fruit and rice. Now most cases of high blood pressure can be brought under control
with drugs, which may be prescribed singly or in combination.
There are three major categories of antihypertensive drugs:
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Diuretics, "water pills," which rid the body of excessive salt and reduce the volume of blood that must be
pumped through narrow blood vessels, relieving some of the pressure on them.
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Beta blockers and other agents, which act on the nervous system to stem the outflow of impulses from the brain
that cause blood vessels to constrict or work elsewhere to block their effect.
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Vasodilators, which act directly on the muscles in the blood vessel walls, allowing them to relax and expand,
or "dilate."
In addition, anew class of drugs, known as reninaxis blockers, has recently become available that interferes
with the formation of a powerful vessel-constricting substance in the body and also with the action of the
hormone aldosterone, which causes the body to retain salt and water.
Since there are many antihypertensive drugs and combinations, an effective treatment that lowers blood pressure
with a minimum of unpleasant side effects almost always can be found. There, if you experience a side effect
such as unusual tiredness, dizziness or faintness upon standing, depression or any other untoward symptom that
you think may be related to your antihypertensive drugs, report it to your doctor. It may be only temporary, or
it may be something that can be remedied by altering the regimen. In any case, remember that the treatment is
usually for life. The drugs will keep the high blood pressure under control, but they do not cure the disease.
If you stop taking the drugs, the blood pressure will return to its previous level or go even higher. Therefore,
it is particularly important that you follow your doctor's instructions and that you return for periodic checks.
Summing Up
High blood pressure is the most common serious disease in the United States. Once diagnosed, however, most cases
can be brought under control through the use of antihypertensive drugs, and where appropriate, through life-style
changes such as stopping smoking or losing excess weight. Treatment is usually for life, but if high blood pressure
is brought down to normal and kept there, the patient can expect to live a normal life with no major interference
with day-to-day activities.
