Blood Pressure Medication Side Effects

Blood pressure literally means the pressure that blood exerts on the walls of the arteries. Taking the blood pressure count is one of the most fundamental check-up procedures since it is the most vital signs of life. And problem arises when the pressure is high or low – medically known as hypertension and hypotension respectively. High blood pressure leads to a lot of stress and, in extreme cases, leads to a myocardial infarction or, in common man’s term, the infamous heart attack. Low blood pressure is also a bad sign for it causes dizziness, shock, haemorrhage, eating disorder etc. To control an errant blood pressure reading, one needs to eat healthy, exercise and take proper medications. But these medications can be quite a deal to handle if not taken with due care. Hence, any medications for blood pressure must not be started without expert medical advice. This following section throws some light on the side effects of common blood pressure medicines.

Side Effects Of Blood Pressure Medication

Diuretics

These are administered at the onset of high blood pressure problems.
These set of medicines are also called ‘water pills’ since they reduce the sodium and water level in the body.
Frequent urination, parched throats and dehydration are the common side effects.
While on this medicine, you must make sure that the food ingested is high in minerals like sodium and potassium.

Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme (ACE) inhibitors

These are also medicines prescribed to high blood pressure patients.
They act on the hormone that constricts the blood vessel and dilates the vessels, thus enabling a smooth blood flow and hence reducing pressure on the heart.
Pregnant mothers should stay away from this group of medicines. They are considered harmful to both the foetus and the mother.
Violent cough, skin rash, dizziness and loss of taste are a common side effect. At times, even kidney damage may result due to this medicine.

Beta blockers

This high blood pressure medicine is administered to patients who are in the stage II of the Blood pressure scale.
These medicines inhibit nerve signals to the heart and blood vessels thus, permitting the heart to beat faster.
Fatigue is by far the most common side effect of the beta blockers. Insomnia, cold feet and hands and depression are also the possible side effects of this medicine.
In some rare cases, impotency is also reported after administering these medicines. Diabetics on this medicine should be closely monitored.

Calcium Channel Blockers (CCB)

For abnormally rapid heart rate and high blood pressure, CCBs are prescribed.
These medicines, as the name suggests, block the absorption of calcium ions into the blood vessel muscle cells, thus allowing them to relax. This lowers the blood pressure.
The side effects that are observed on administering these medicines are constipation, dizziness, swollen ankles and head ache.
Fluid retention, bleeding gums and nausea are other side effects that are commonly noticed.

Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers (ARBs)

These medicines also dilate blood vessels like ACEs but they act on the Angiotensin receptor and are a cure to high blood pressure as well.
The most common side effect of this medicine is extreme dizziness.

Alpha blockers

Alpha blockers lower high blood pressure by blocking alpha receptor.
The side effects commonly reported on using this medicine include headache, dizziness, nausea, tiredness, fluid retention etc.
Increase in cholesterol level is also occasionally noticed.
In some cases, even increase in the chance of heart failure due to long term use of alpha blockers is reported.

Hopefully the information given above will prepare you to make knowledgeable queries to your doctor and make you understand the exact reason for the uneasiness that you might be experiencing after your dosages.

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