Addiction & Criminology

All submissions of the EM system will be redirected to Online Manuscript Submission System. Authors are requested to submit articles directly to Online Manuscript Submission System of respective journal.

Perspective - Addiction & Criminology (2023) Volume 6, Issue 2

Antihypertensive agents: Managing high blood pressure.

Ayofemi Adeoye*

Department of Psychology, Faculty of the Social Sciences, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria

*Corresponding Author:
Ayofemi Adeoye
Department of Psychology
Faculty of the Social Sciences
University of Ibadan
Ibadan, Nigeria
E-mail: adeoye.a@ui.edu.ng

Received: 28-Mar-2023, Manuscript No. AARA-23-97836; Editor assigned: 29-Mar-2023, PreQC No. AARA-23-97836 (PQ); Reviewed: 13-Apr-2023, QC No. AARA-23-97836; Revised: 18-Apr-2023, Manuscript No. AARA-23-97836 (R); Published: 24-Apr-2023, DOI: 10.35841/aara-6.2.144

Citation: Adeoye A. Antihypertensive agents: Managing high blood pressure. Addict Criminol. 2023;6(2):144

Visit for more related articles at Addiction & Criminology

High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a common health condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It is a major risk factor for heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure, among other serious health problems. Fortunately, there are many antihypertensive agents available to help manage this condition and reduce the risk of these complications. Antihypertensive agents are medications that work to lower blood pressure. There are several different types of antihypertensive agents, each with their own mechanism of action. Some common examples include:

• Diuretics: These medications work by increasing the amount of urine produced by the kidneys, which helps to reduce the amount of fluid in the bloodstream and lower blood pressure. Examples include hydrochlorothiazide and furosemide.

• Beta-blockers: These medications work by blocking the effects of adrenaline, which can cause the heart to beat faster and harder, leading to increased blood pressure. Examples include atenolol and metoprolol.

• ACE inhibitors: These medications work by blocking the action of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), which can cause blood vessels to narrow and increase blood pressure. Examples include lisinopril and enalapril.

• Calcium channel blockers: These medications work by blocking the movement of calcium into the cells of the heart and blood vessels, which can cause them to relax and lower blood pressure. Examples include amlodipine and verapamil.

• Angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs): These medications work by blocking the action of angiotensin II, a hormone that can cause blood vessels to narrow and increase blood pressure. Examples include losartan and valsartan [1].

Antihypertensive agents are typically prescribed by a healthcare provider after a thorough evaluation of a patient's blood pressure and overall health. In addition to medication, lifestyle modifications such as diet and exercise can also play a role in managing high blood pressure. It is important to work closely with a healthcare provider to find the best treatment plan for managing high blood pressure. With the help of antihypertensive agents and lifestyle modifications, many people with hypertension are able to successfully manage their condition and reduce their risk of serious health complications [2].

Diuretics are one of the most commonly prescribed antihypertensive agents. They work by increasing the excretion of sodium and water in the urine, which reduces the volume of fluid in the bloodstream and lowers blood pressure. There are several types of diuretics, including thiazide diuretics, loop diuretics, and potassium-sparing diuretics. Thiazide diuretics are often the first choice for treating hypertension and are effective in reducing blood pressure in many patients [3].

Beta-blockers are another type of antihypertensive agent that works by blocking the action of adrenaline on the heart and blood vessels. This leads to a slower heart rate and reduced blood pressure. Beta-blockers can be effective in reducing blood pressure, but they are not usually the first choice for treatment, as they can have side effects such as fatigue, depression, and sexual dysfunction [4].

In addition to medication, lifestyle modifications such as a healthy diet, regular exercise, and stress reduction can also play a role in managing hypertension. Weight loss can also be an effective way to reduce blood pressure, particularly in overweight or obese patients. It is important to work closely with a healthcare provider to develop a comprehensive treatment plan for managing hypertension, as uncontrolled high blood pressure can lead to serious health complications [5].

References

  1. De Vecchis R, Ariano C, Soreca S. Antihypertensive effect of sacubitril/valsartan: a meta-analysis. Minerva Cardioangiol. 2019;67(3):214-22.

    2. Indexed at, Google Scholar, Cross Ref

  2. Blowey DL. Diuretics in the treatment of hypertension. Pediatr Nephrol. 2016;31:2223-33.

    3. Indexed at, Google Scholar, Cross Ref

  3. Tsioufis C, Thomopoulos C. Combination drug treatment in hypertension. Pharmacol Res. 2017;125:266-71.

    4. Indexed at, Google Scholar, Cross Ref

  4. Van Why SK, Pan CG. Primary Causes of Hypertensive Crisis. Crit Care Clin. 2022;38(2):375-91.

    5. Indexed at, Google Scholar, Cross Ref

  5. Arumugam B, Subramaniam A, Alagaraj P. Stevia as a natural sweetener: a review. Cardiovasc Hematol Agents Med Chem. 2020;18(2):94-103.

    6. Indexed at, Google Scholar, Cross Ref

Get the App