Hypertension, Cardiology, Primary Health and Patient Care

Preventive Medication for Hypertension

There are several classes of medications available for treating hypertension, collectively known as antihypertensive medications. Thiazide-diuretics, calcium channel blockers, angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors, and angiotensin receptor blockers are considered as first-line medications for hypertension. Although these medications may be used alone or in combination, ACE inhibitors and ARBs are not recommended to be used in combinations. ARBs minimize counter-regulatory mechanisms that act to reverse blood pressure values to pre-treatment levels. Previously, as first-line therapy for hypertension, Beta-blockers were thought to produce similar beneficial effects as ARBs. However, a review that included 13 trials conducted by Cochrane showed that the effects of beta-blockers in treatment are less than that of other antihypertensive medications. More than one medication is required to control high blood pressure in most individuals affected with hypertension and these medications for blood pressure control should be implemented with a stepped care approach when target levels are not reached.