The number of blood pressure lowering medicines available nowadays is astounding and, as many of the presently available drugs are often used in combination for treatment, selecting the correct drug or combination of drugs presents your physician with something of a headache. Here however is an overview of the various different groups of blood pressure lowering medications presently in day-to-day use.

Diuretics

The first line of attack for mild cases of high blood pressure are diuretics which are designed to remove excess fluid from the body and, more importantly in terms of high blood pressure, to lower sodium levels.

Frequently used diuretics include Midamor, Hygroton, Esidrix, Diuril, Lasix, Lozol, Hydrodiuril, Bumex and Aldactone.

A number of diuretic lower the levels of potassium in the body and can result in tiredness, weakness and leg crfamoing. This can generally be effectively countered by eating foods that contain potassium or by taking a potassium supplement in either liquid or tablet form. Diuretics may also result in raised blood sugar levels and a change of drug or changes to diet, insulin or oral anti-diabetic medication might be necessary in the case of diabetics.

ACE Inhibitors

Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors act to widen the blood vessels and so reduce resistance and pressure in these vessels. Consequently the heart does not have to work as hard to pump blood throughout the body.

Frequently used ACE inhibitors include Lotensin, Altace, Univasc, Capoten, Vasotec, Prinivil, Aceon, Accupril, Mavik, Monopril and Zestril.

ACE inhibitors can cause a skin rash, a chronic hacking cough and in very rare cases kidney damage.

AT-2 Receptor Antagonists

Angiotensin-2 (AT-2) receptor antagonists work in much the same ways as ACE inhibitors although they have the benefit for many individuals of not leading to the hacking cough frequently experienced with taking ACE inhibitors.

Frequently used AT-2 receptor antagonists include Atacand, Micardis, Avapro, Cozaar and Teveten.

There are usually very few side effects with AT-2 receptor antagonists although in some individuals they can produce sporadic dizziness.

Beta Blockers

Beta blockers act to lower blood pressure by decreasing both the heart rate and output.

Frequently used beta blockers include Sectral, Corgard, Blocadren, Kerlone, Betapace, Lopressor, Cartrol, Toprol XL, Tenormin, Zebeta, Inderal and Ziac.

A number of beta blockers can cause insomnia, cold hands and feet, the symptoms of asthma, depression, tiredness and in very rare cases can result in impotence.

Calcium Channel Blockers

Calcium channel blockers assist in lowering blood pressure by interrupting calcium flow into both the heart and blood vessels. Calcium channel blockers include what is generally agreed to be the most prescribed blood pressure drug in the world - Norvasc.

Other commonly used calcium blockers include Lotrel, Sular, Vascor, Tiazac, Isoptin, Cardizem, Calan, Procardia, Adalat, Nimotop, Plendil and Verelan.

Side effects differ widely across the range of calcium blockers but some frequently experienced side effects include headache, palpitations, dizziness, constipation and swollen ankles.

As can be seen there is a very large number of drugs available to reduce blood pressure and when you remember that these are often used together by combining for example ACE inhibitors and calcium blockers, ACE inhibitors and diuretics or AT-2 receptor antagonists and diuretics then the range of treatments available is truly enormous.

Of course on the one hand this is excellent news as it means that it is possible to tailor treatment to the specific needs of each individual. On the other hand however it also makes choosing the right treatment somewhat hard.