Hypertension or high blood pressure as it is more commonly known is not a condition which can be ignored. It is in fact a very life threatening silent killer. When a doctor examins your blood pressure if the systolic blood pressure reading is 160 or greater and the diastolic reading is 100 or more this is classed as stage 2 hypertension. When this is diagnosed high blood pressure medication must be prescribed to bring readings down. In many cases 2 or more types of medication may be used to achieve a sufficient decrease in blood pressure readings.

The first of the high blood pressure medications to be prescribed by doctors is usually a diuretic drug like thiazide diuretic which aids the body in excreting any additional fluid and sodium which the the component part of salt most associated with raised blood pressure. This should help decrease the blood pressure. Diuretics are often used to treat the less serious stage 1 hypertension also. However, patients with stage 2 will most likely need additional drugs 2-3 combination which come in various forms of drugs.

1. Ace Inhibitors -By preventing the body over producing the hormone present in lungs which makes the blood vessels contract and instead keeping them in a more relaxed state again the blood pressure is reduced. Their common side effect is dry cough. Examples are Zestril, Coversyl, Renitec, lispril etc

2. Beta Blockers - These are one of the most commonly used high blood pressure medications. By reducing the signals sent to the blood vessels and heart by the nervous system the blood pressure is lowered. Sympathetic system is blocked by beta blockers thus help in lowering high blood pressure. Examples are Tenormin, Atenolol, Concor, Probase etc

3. Calcium Channel Blockers - Drugs of this nature prevent calcium from getting into the cells of the heart and blood vessels thus relaxing the blood vessels and reducing high blood pressure. however some common side effects are seen like swelling of feet, constipation and palpitations. Examples are Isoptin, Calan, Herbessor, Norvasc, Sofvasc etc.

4. Angiotensin Receptor Blockers - As the name suggests this medication prevents the hormone angiotensin from having any affect on the blood vessels and allowing them to expand. These drugs are very commonly used these days as they have minimum side effects. Examples are Diovan, Approval, Advent, Lostress, Easiday etc.

Very high blood pressure readings as with those seen in patients with stage 2 high blood pressure must be treated immediately with fast acting medication in order that readings be lowered thus decreasing the risk of unwanted complications. As stated previously the most effective way to achieve this is often with a combination of drugs.

Treatment will often be more intense and of greater urgency if the patient has other related conditions for example previous history of a previous heart attack (MI) or stroke (CVA) , heart failure (LVF) or perhaps kidney failure and there are others like diabetes. This is because the risk of developing any of these life threatening complications and any of these conditions is greatly increased by increased blood pressure levels.

The right combination of high blood pressure medications should give the patient protection against complications such as strokes, heart attacks, kidney failure and heart failure. However this may mean the need for even more additional drugs often with perhaps 3 or more being prescribed at once to deal with the patients condition. The treatment may be similar for stage 1 hypertension sufferers. Patients with angina may be given beta blockers to reduce chest pain and discomfort or perhaps ACE inhibitors and a diuretic may be prescribed in an effort to reduce the risk of a stroke or heart attack in those suffering kidney problems and diabetes with high blood pressure.

Each patient has a unique set of circumstances conditions and finding the correct combination of high blood pressure medications which are most effective can sometimes take a little time. It is vital that all prescribed drugs for this condition are taken as per directions from the doctor and on a regular basis and should not be stopped under any circumstances or the consequences could be dangerous..

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