Antihypertensive Medications

Question 1

How do Diuretics help with hypertension

Answer 1

Act on kidneys to help the body eliminate sodium and water, reducing blood volume. Diuretics are often the first but not the only choice in high BP medications.

Question 2

Calcium channel blockers

Answer 2

amlodipine besylate (Norvasc)
diltiazem (Cardizem)
nifedipine (Adalat CC, Procardia XL)

Question 3

What do calcium channel blockers help with hypertension

Answer 3

Help relax/dilate the muscles of the blood vessels. Some slow the heart rate.

Question 4

How Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors help with hypertension

Answer 4

Help relax/dilate blood vessels by blocking the formation of angiotensin II, a vasoconstrictor, thus reducing BP

Question 5

How do angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) help with hypertension

Answer 5

Help relax/dilate blood vessels by blocking the action not the formation of angiotensin II, a vasoconstrictor, sometimes used in patients intolerant of ACE Inhibitors

Question 6

How do Beta Blockers help with hypertension

Answer 6

Reduce the afterload on the heart and dilate blood vessels, causing the heart to beat more slowly and less force

Question 7

How do combined alpha and beta blockers help with hypertension

Answer 7

Reduce nerve impulses that promote vasoconstriction and at the same time slow the hard rate and reduce afterload

Question 8

How do vasodilators help with hypertension

Answer 8

Relax the muscle tissue in the blood vessel walls and, in turn, lower the BP

Question 9

How do central agonists help with hypertension

Answer 9

Decrease blood vessels ability to contract and cause vasoconstriction