High Blood Pressure Information & Discounts

How can I manage high blood pressure?

Monitor Your Blood Pressure

Blood pressure monitors are widely available and easily purchased without a prescription. It is important that you and your doctor monitor you blood pressure levels to make sure they stay normal and out of the danger zone. If blood pressure is monitored consistently, progress can accurately be measured and the individual may take note of what types of diet, exercise and blood pressure medications are working for them. If a patient consistently monitors blood pressure at home, he or she will be able to promptly notice any unusual spike in blood pressure, report it to the doctor, and make note of factors that may have caused spikes in blood pressure that day. Blood pressure readings involve two measurements: systolic and diastolic. Systolic blood pressure is measured when the heart muscles is contracting. Diastolic blood pressure is measured when it is relaxed or between beats. The top reading on the blood pressure monitor is systolic while the bottom is diastolic. Normal systolic pressure is between 100-139mmHg. Normal diastolic pressure is between 60-89mmHg.

Make Diet & Lifestyle Changes

Dietary and lifestyle changes can improve blood pressure control and decrease the risk of associated health complications, although hypertension medication is often necessary in patients for whom lifestyle changes prove ineffective or insufficient. A good diet for people with high blood pressure would involve diets low in sodium, saturated fats and trans-fats. An intake of healthy fats, whole grains and vegetables is advised. Smoking greatly contributes to high blood pressure and increases the risk of stroke, heart attack and lung disease among others. Stop smoking as soon as possible. Limit alcohol intake and do exercise on a regular basis. Maintain a healthy weight for your stature. Ask your doctor what your recommended weight and BMI should be.

Find the Right High Blood Pressure Medications for you.

There are several types of high blood pressure or hypertension medications that include alpha blockers, beta blockers, diuretics and ACE inhibitors. Talk to your doctor about which ones may be right for you. Read about the different types of blood pressure medicines in the section below.

What are the different types of blood pressure medications?

Alpha Blockers

Alpha blockers are used to treat several conditions along with hypertension including benign prostatic hyperplasia, scleroderma and anxiety disorders. Alpha blockers work by relaxing smooth muscle tissue and reducing nerve impulses that tighten blood vessels. This allows blood to flow more freely and reduce blood pressure. Some minor side effects of alpha blockers include: headaches, lightheadedness, weakness and nasal congestion.

Beta Blockers

Beta blockers can be prescribed as a blood pressure medication as well as to treat several conditions along with high blood pressure including glaucoma, angina, cardiac arrhythmia, migraines and anxiety disorder among others. Beta blockers interfere with beta receptors found in the sympathetic nervous system and reduce the body’s response to stress hormones. This helps to reduce stress on the heart, thereby reducing heart rate and blood pressure. Some side effects of beta blockers include lightheadedness, fatigue, cold hands and feet caused by slow heart rate, edema, difficulty breathing and sleep disturbances such as insomnia and nightmares.

Diuretics

There are a number of different kinds of diuretics or water pills available including thiazide, potassium-sparing, calcium-sparing, carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, osmotic, and loop diuretics. Diuretics are a type of hypertension medication, but they are also used to treat glaucoma, heart failure, liver cirrhosis and kidney infections. Thiazide diuretics are most commonly used to treat high blood pressure. Ask your doctor about which diuretic is best for you. Diuretics increase urine production and allow the body to eliminate water and excess sodium helping to reduce blood pressure. Some side effects of diuretics include dry mouth, dehydration, frequent urination, electrolyte abnormalities, dizziness, blurred vision, kidney failure and headaches among others.

ACE Inhibitors

ACE inhibitors are high blood pressure medicines that cause the dilation of blood vessels and reduce blood volume, therefore reducing blood pressure. ACE inhibitors block the production of angiotensin II, a hormone that can cause blood vessels to narrow. Ace inhibitors are also used to treat heart attack, heart failure, diabetes and kidney problems. Some side effects of ACE inhibitors include: cough, rash, dizziness, a salty or metallic taste in the mouth, swelling, nausea, headaches, and abnormally high potassium levels.

What are the symptoms of high blood pressure?

One dangerous aspect of high blood pressure or hypertension is that there are no symptoms. This condition affects one out of every three Americans in their lifetimes. The best way to know if you have high blood pressure is to have it checked. See the blood pressure management section for more information on monitoring your blood pressure.