High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a common condition, especially among older adults and individuals in long-term care settings.
High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a common condition, especially among older adults and individuals in long-term care settings. If left unmanaged, it can lead to serious health issues such as heart attack, stroke, and kidney disease. Medications, often combined with lifestyle changes, play a critical role in controlling blood pressure and reducing these risks.
Why Blood Pressure Control Matters
Hypertension is known as the "silent killer" because it often has no obvious symptoms. Controlling blood pressure helps prevent damage to vital organs such as the heart, brain, and kidneys. Patients and caregivers should understand that adherence to prescribed medication regimens is essential to achieving these protective benefits.
Common Classes of Hypertension Medications
1. Diuretics (Water Pills)
How they work: Help the kidneys remove excess sodium and water from the body, reducing blood volume.
Common medications: Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ), Furosemide (Lasix), Chlorthalidone.
Side effects: Increased urination, electrolyte imbalances (like low potassium).
2. ACE Inhibitors
How they work: Relax blood vessels by blocking the formation of a hormone that narrows blood vessels.
Common medications: Lisinopril, Enalapril, Ramipril.
Side effects: Cough, high potassium levels, dizziness.
3. ARBs (Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers)
How they work: Prevent the hormone angiotensin II from tightening blood vessels.
Common medications: Losartan, Valsartan, Olmesartan.
Side effects: Dizziness, elevated potassium levels.
4. Calcium Channel Blockers
How they work: Prevent calcium from entering heart and blood vessel muscle cells, allowing vessels to relax.
Common medications: Amlodipine, Diltiazem, Verapamil.
Side effects: Swelling in the legs, dizziness, constipation.
5. Beta Blockers
How they work: Slow the heart rate and reduce the heart's workload.
Common medications: Metoprolol, Atenolol, Carvedilol.
Side effects: Fatigue, cold hands/feet, depression.
Tips for Patients and Caregivers
Consistency is key: Take medications at the same time each day to build a routine.
Monitor blood pressure regularly: Keep a log to share with healthcare providers.
Be aware of side effects: Report new symptoms like dizziness, swelling, or fatigue to your care team.
Lifestyle still matters: Combine medications with healthy habits like a low-sodium diet, regular exercise, and stress management.
When to Call a Healthcare Provider
Contact your provider if:
Blood pressure readings are consistently too high or too low.
You experience severe side effects such as chest pain, shortness of breath, or fainting.
You have questions about how medications interact with other prescriptions.
Understanding how hypertension medications work empowers patients and caregivers to take an active role in managing health and preventing complications.