The main classes of drugs that are used to treat high blood pressure are ACE and ARB drugs. Both of these affect the renin-angiotensin hormonal system, which helps regulate the blood pressure. The ACE inhibitors work by blocking an enzyme that converts the inactive form of angiotensin in the blood to its active form. The active form constricts the arteries. The inactive form can't do this. By using an ACE inhibitor, 50% to 60% of Caucasians suffering from high blood pressure end up with having their blood pressure significantly reduced. African Americans may also respond to this treatment but normally need higher doses. Usually they respond better when the ACE inhibitor is combined with a diuretic, which will be discussed in more detail later in this article.



Another benefit to ACE inhibitors is that they will, in many cases, reduce the size of an enlarged heart in patients with high blood pressure. These drugs also appear to slow down the deterioration of the kidneys. In cases of congestive heart failure, ACE inhibitors are usually the first line of drugs to treat people suffering from this along with hypertension.

Patients suffering from high blood pressure and a secondary disease usually benefit from a combination of an ACE inhibitor and an ARB drug. In combination these will help lower the blood pressure and treat the secondary disease in the process. Women who are pregnant, however, should not use these drugs as they can be harmful to the unborn child. In their cases other treatments need to be used.

Another class of drug that helps treat high blood pressure is the beta blocker. In many cases of high blood pressure what happens is that beta receptors in the heart increase the heart rate and the strength of the heart contractions. These are contributing factors to high blood pressure. Beta blockers act on the heart itself, slow the heart rate down and therefore reduce the force of the heart's contractions. Stimulation of the beta receptors causes the heart to relax. This is what ultimately slows it down. In patients with a fast heart beat, beta blockers are very effective in reducing blood pressure.

Diuretics are the oldest medications used for treating high blood pressure. They work in tiny tubes in the kidneys to help remove salt from the body, which is a contributing factor to developing a high blood pressure condition. Water may also be removed from the salt. In many cases diuretics may be used as a single drug to treat high blood pressure and achieve the desired results.

Then there are CCBs or calcium channel blockers. These inhibit the movement of calcium into muscle cells of the heart and arteries. Calcium is a main cause of hardening of the arteries which can be a major cause of high blood pressure. By preventing calcium from accumulating in the arteries the chance of hardening is reduced, thus reducing the chances of developing high blood pressure.

There are many ways to treat high blood pressure. You doctor can prescribe the best course of action after an examination.