A new generation of blood pressure drugs

Modern antihypertensive drugs are divided into 10 categories based on their mechanism of action. The doctor, after studying the patient's complaints and examination results, prescribes one or more drugs, which in no case should be changed individually. Heart and blood vessel medications are not medications you can "recommend to a friend. "Wrong choices can have dire consequences. Antihypertensive medications are available by prescription. In this article we will consider their modern classification according to the nature of their active substances and effects on the body.People often ask pharmacies for a new generation of antihypertensive drugs without side effects. But that doesn't actually happen. All effective medications have side effects. You will need to spend a lot of time with your doctor choosing medications to treat high blood pressure. If the medication isn't right, get it tested, adjust the dose, or change it entirely.

Classification of Drugs to Treat High Blood Pressure (BP)

diuretics or diuretics

Medications that enhance kidney function remove salt and excess water. This results in a decrease in circulating blood volume and a decrease in vascular resistance - a drop in pressure. Not all diuretics are suitable for this purpose. The main requirements for this class of drugs are mild and sustained diuretic effect, as well as potassium-sparing capacity. Many drugs in this group are included in combination drugs for the treatment of high blood pressure.The most common are thiazides. Medications based on the substance indapamide are available in pure and combined forms. Hydrochlorothiazide and chlorthalidone are commonly found in blood pressure-lowering medications. Examples: Substances chlorthalidone + atenolol, chlorthalidone + azilsartan. Many options include complexes of hydrochlorothiazide with different hypertensive substances: quinapril, ramipril, candesartan, bisoprolol, losartan, valsartan. Indapamide is more commonly used with lisinopril, amlodipine, and perindopril.When a doctor prescribes diuretics correctly, side effects are virtually non-existent. The loss of potassium was not significant. Sometimes patients have to change medications due to allergic reactions. In some cases, your doctor may prescribe potassium supplements.It happens that one diuretic is not enough. There is a medicine that contains two diuretics: hydrochlorothiazide and triamterene (potassium-sparing). Indications for this therapy are as follows: edema syndrome, cirrhosis and hypertension.

Drugs that affect angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) activity

Multiple systems in our body work simultaneously to maintain normal blood pressure. One of these is the renin-angiotensin system. We will not describe its characteristics, but we will say that the main active substance that raises blood pressure is the oligopeptide angiotensin II. When a person's blood vessel balance is disrupted, angiotensin should be suppressed. A large number of drugs have been developed for this purpose.Antihypertensive drugs that affect angiotensin II are constantly being updated. Many well-known and popular treatments have become outdated and have been replaced by more modern and effective treatments.It starts working after about 1 hour and remains active throughout the day. It is considered a powerful drug. Therefore, many people find it difficult to adjust their dosage; it is impossible to do this without a doctor. One particular side effect is an excessive drop in blood pressure, which is dangerous. Sometimes cardiologists are forced to stop using this group of drugs entirely. But for severe headache symptoms, perindopril is ideal, especially in combination with indapamide. Coughing and shortness of breath are much less common and less noticeable when taking perindopril than when taking enalapril.

ACE blockers

The newest antihypertensive drugs without side effects such as coughing are ACE blockers, which work in a similar way but are safer. They are candesartan, eprosartan, irbesartan, losartan, telmisartan. Valsartan is no longer considered new.Sartans lower blood pressure after 3 hours, but are most effective after 4-8 weeks of continuous use. Proper use of this drug can reduce the risk of death in patients at high risk for cardiovascular disease. Sartan ACE blockers are more expensive than ACE inhibitors because they act more selectively and are better tolerated.

Beta and alpha adrenergic blockers

This group of drugs works by reducing the activity of epinephrine, which increases blood pressure and the frequency and intensity of heart contractions. Adrenergic blockers are indicated for patients who have not responded to ACE inhibitors and for patients with heart disease. Several generations of drugs are distinguished here. The earliest of these were drugs based on the substances atenolol and metoprolol. Now, doctors prescribe medications containing the active ingredient bisoprolol fumarate, either alone or in combination with diuretic ingredients.This drug works primarily through the heart, reducing minute blood volume. In addition, it also affects blood vessels and renin activity. As a result, blood pressure and heart rate decrease. Used to treat chronic heart failure, prevent angina attacks, and combat high blood pressure. Side effects can be dangerous: low pulse, dizziness, heart conduction disorders.Carvedilol has combined adrenergic blocking effects. It is an alpha and beta adrenergic blocker. Belongs to a new generation and is considered a powerful drug. Reduces pressure on the heart and surrounding blood vessels, causing them to dilate. For the treatment of stable angina, chronic heart failure and hypertension.Nebivolol is a third-generation beta-blocker. It has better vasodilatory effect and higher safety.

calcium channel blockers

Calcium normally maintains cardiac muscle contractility and vascular tone. A group of drugs that limit their action have been developed to lower blood pressure in patients with hypertension.Calcium channel blockers are considered powerful medications and are sometimes used as emergency treatments for high blood pressure.Preparations based on the substance amlodipine besylateUsed to treat high blood pressure and angina pectoris. Side effects often include low blood pressure, heart palpitations, swelling, and worsening of heart function. Medications containing the substance lercanidipine hydrochloride lower blood pressure mainly through the vascular bed and therefore have no or significantly less significant side effects on the heart. The only indication is hypertension.

imidazoline receptor agonist

This new group of antihypertensive drugs is called α2 central adrenergic agonists.As we mentioned above, important support for vascular bed pressure is controlled by many systems in our body. One of these is the vasomotor center in the brain. The representative substance of this group, moxonidine, reduces the activity of this center, the pressure decreases and the process occurs gradually.Drugs based on moxonidine reduce blood pressure qualitatively. But unlike other substances, this one is contraindicated in acute and chronic heart failure, conditions that are often accompanied by hypertension.Adverse reactions include dry mouth, diarrhea, drowsiness, headache, insomnia and nervousness.As we have seen, no new antihypertensive drug is free of side effects. Your doctor will choose a medication based on blood tests, electrocardiogram, and tonometer readings. Before seeing your doctor, you'll want to keep a blood pressure diary, recording morning, afternoon, and evening blood pressure values.Adhering to a diet low in salt, animal fat and carbohydrates and regular physical activity have positive effects.To improve the function of the cardiovascular system, we can recommend nutritional supplements containing important elements. For example, selenium, magnesium, potassium. They are found in many popular dietary supplements and vitamin complexes.Dietary supplements containing omega-3s may support blood vessel health and regulate blood pressure. Pharmacies have a wide selection of medications.