Hypertension drug classification and representative drugs

Hypertension is a disease with a very high incidence among middle-aged and elderly people, and it is also a relatively high-risk symptom. When the health problem of high blood pressure occurs, it is necessary to take certain treatment measures in time according to the condition to lower blood pressure and ensure the health of the patient. There are many ways to treat high blood pressure, such as medication. So, what are the drugs for treating high blood pressure?

1. Diuretics

The antihypertensive effect is mainly achieved by excreting sodium, reducing extracellular volume, and lowering peripheral vascular resistance. The blood pressure lowering effect comes on smoothly and slowly, lasts for a relatively long time, and has a long-lasting effect. Suitable for mild and moderate hypertension, and isolated systolic hypertension. It has a stronger antihypertensive effect in patients with salt-sensitive hypertension, those with obesity or diabetes, menopausal women, those with heart failure and the elderly with hypertension. Diuretics may increase the effectiveness of other antihypertensive drugs.

2. Beta-receptor antagonists

This type of drug can exert its antihypertensive effect by inhibiting central and peripheral RAAS, inhibiting myocardial contractility and slowing heart rate. The antihypertensive effect is strong and rapid, and the duration of antihypertensive effect of different beta-receptor antagonists is different. It is suitable for patients with varying degrees of hypertension, especially young and middle-aged patients with a faster heart rate or those with angina pectoris and chronic heart failure. Its efficacy is relatively poor for elderly people with hypertension.

3. Calcium channel blockers

Calcium channel blockers have a rapid onset of antihypertensive effect, relatively strong antihypertensive efficacy and amplitude, and small individual variability in efficacy. Combination therapy with other types of antihypertensive drugs can significantly enhance the antihypertensive effect. Calcium channel blockers have no obvious effect on blood lipids, blood sugar, etc., and medication compliance is good. Compared with other antihypertensive drugs, calcium channel blockers have the following advantages: they have better antihypertensive effects on elderly patients; high sodium intake and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs do not affect the antihypertensive effect; they also have a significant antihypertensive effect on alcoholic patients; they can be used for patients with comorbid diabetes, coronary heart disease or peripheral blood closure; long-term treatment also has anti-atherosclerotic effects.

4. Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors

The antihypertensive effect is mainly achieved by inhibiting circulating and tissue ACE, reducing the production of ATⅡ, and inhibiting kininase to reduce the degradation of bradykinin. The blood pressure lowering effect takes a long time to take effect, reaching its maximum effect in 3 to 4 weeks. Limiting sodium salt intake or using diuretics in combination can make the effect take effect more rapid and more potent.

5. Angiotensin II receptor antagonists

The antihypertensive effect takes effect slowly but is long-lasting and steady. A low-salt diet or combined use with diuretics can significantly enhance the therapeutic effect. The antihypertensive effect of most ARBs increases with increasing dose, and the therapeutic dose window is relatively wide. The biggest feature is that it has fewer adverse reactions directly related to the drug, generally does not cause irritating dry cough, and has high compliance with continuous treatment.