If you have hypertension, you will probably be quite relieved to learn that even though it is a very serious condition, treating it is not extremely difficult.  Living with hypertension, and being the healthiest that you can be, rests on following your doctor's advice regarding the medication which is best for you, and positive changes to your lifestyle.

Taking your medication as it is prescribed is essential.  This will assist in keeping your blood pressure stabilized, and prevent further complications. 

There are a number of different types of medications available for the treatment of hypertension.  After completing an evaluation of your general health, any other medications which you may be taking, your risk factors, any known allergy to any type of medication, and the severity of your hypertension, your doctor will prescribe the type and dosage of medication which is best suited to your particular situation and health needs.  The reason why it is so important for your doctor to have all of this information is to ensure that there is nothing which would contraindicate the medication he plans to prescribe for you.

The different kinds of medications which are currently and widely available for hypertension include:  diuretics, ACE inhibitors, Beta blockers, Alpha blockers, Alpha-beta blockers, nervous system inhibitors, calcium channel blockers, vasodilators, and angiotensin 2 receptor blockers.  Based on your medical history and current health factors, your physician will know the best course of medication for you.  This may include your doctor prescribing more than one medication for you, if he feels this is best for your specific condition. 

For your medication to work to its optimum capacity, it is essential that you take it according to the instructions, and also that you be alert to any possible side-effects from the medication, and inform your doctor if any side-effects do occur.

As a well-informed person is the one who takes an active approach to his or her own health care, you may like to know the purpose of the different types of hypertension medications.  After all, you will be in a better position to know if a medication is working, if you are aware of what it is supposed to do.  Even without fancy medical “lingo,” you can easily learn about and appreciate how various medications work.

Diuretics assist in removing excess salt and water from the body.  As these work by promoting more frequent urination, “flushing” excess salt and water from your body in turn lowers your blood pressure, and results in the heart working much easier. 

Angiotensin Converting Enzyme inhibitors–  also known as ACE inhibitors–  are a popular choice in hypertension medication because they are known to work very well with fewer incidents of side-effects.  In layman's terms, the way ACE inhibitors work is by reducing the enzyme which produces angiotensin, thus causing the blood vessels to enlarge. 

Beta blockers, which deal with the effects of adrenaline, are not as widely used today as they were in the past.  The reasons for this include:  they are not as effective as they were first thought to be, and they often produce additional side-effects.  Consequently, alpha blockers and the combined alpha beta blockers, are also rarely a physician's first choice of hypertension treatment.

Nervous system inhibitors act to enlarge the blood vessels.  This medication differs from ACE inhibitors in that nervous system inhibitors work by managing the nerve impulses in order to relax the vessels. 

Calcium channel blockers prevent calcium from invading the blood vessels and the heart.  This in turn also leads the blood vessels to relax, placing less stress on the heart.

Vasodilators lower the blood pressure by opening the blood vessels.

Angiotensin 2 receptor blockers are often used either in place of, or in place of, ACE inhibitors.  For many patients, they produce a more complete effect, as well as having fewer annoying side-effects.

As is the case with any medication, your physician is the only one who is qualified to make the decision about which medication or medications will be the most appropriate for you.  He will also give you the most accurate information regarding the medication's possible side-effects, how frequently you must take the medication, as well as other very important information such as whether the specific drug must be taken with or without food. 

He will also let you know if you should avoid using other medications or refrain from drinking alcohol when your hypertension is being treated with this specific medication.  It is in the interests of your health that you follow your physician's instructions so that you will avoid any unnecessary complications from using this medication.  In addition, a medication can only work at its best when it is used properly.