Lesson 5 - Hypertension Medications

Combinations

In many cases, doctors may choose to prescribe more than one of these medications. Using combinations of two different drugs (from different categories) can often improve the medication's efficacy.

Side effects
Like most drug treatments, hypertension medications may bring with them many side effects, ranging in gravity from minor — such as fatigue, coughing, or skin rash — to severe — such as sexual dysfunction, depression, heart dysfunction or electrolyte abnormalities. Use your common sense — if you begin a drug treatment and develop problems that you did not have prior to taking the medication, talk to your doctor about it. There are so many medications out there that he or she may be able to try a different drug, or perhaps change your dosage. It's pretty likely that with a bit of trial and error, your doctor can help you find a treatment that both controls your hypertension and allows you to maintain a good quality of life.

So, which one?

Many doctors prefer to start out newly diagnosed hypertension patients with diuretics or beta blockers. In fact, for groups that are especially sensitive to sodium — such as African Americans and the elderly — it is recommended that diuretics alone should be the first medication of choice. However, for hypertensive people with kidney problems or diabetes, guidelines suggest the use of ACE inhibitors as a first line of treatment. The details are endless, and we don't have room to discuss (and you probably don't feel like reading) all of them — so what does it all come down to? Each hypertension case and patient is unique. Your doctor must carefully examine your situation in its entirety prior to beginning treatment.

Assignment #2

Don't pretend like you didn't see this coming. I mean, really — we ARE in Lesson 5! Feel like you've got a little more knowledge about all those medications under your belt? Let's put it to the test with a retry of the Hypertension Medications quiz. Bet you're getting really, really good at his multiple choice thing, huh?

Assignment #3
Look in your medicine cabinet and make careful note of the names and dosages for all of the medications you are currently taking, including over-the-counter products, such as pain relievers, antihistamines, and sleeping aids. Take this list to your doctor or pharmacist and ask them to look it over in order to make sure you don't have any conflicts with the various prescriptions. Chances are, if you've gone to the same doctor for some time, or always get your prescriptions filled at the same pharmacy, that you won't have a problem. However, as we all know, it's better to be safe than sorry!

Assignment #4
Has your doctor prescribed a blood pressure medication for you? Whether you are currently taking one, or have been advised you will be put on one shortly, it is incredibly important that you ask the right questions of your doctor. print out this helpful list of questions to take with you to your next appointment, or to use as reference if you are having a phone conversation with your doctor. It's important you know how to make your medication work best for you, and how to avoid any complications.

Coming Up: Lesson #6 — What's the Big Deal?

It's nitty, it's gritty, but it's true. Hypertension is an enormous risk factor in the development of such serious health complications as stroke, kidney disease and heart attack. Now that you know how to prevent, recognize, and if necessary, treat hypertension, the next lesson will explore what ignoring all of this information could mean to you and your well being.

Other Options
Smarty pants, are you? Feel like jumping ahead? To access other lessons, just go back to the Hypertension 101 home page.

Looking for a study buddy, or have a question that you just can't find the answer to? Check out the Hypertension 101 Message Board! You can post a question, and check back later for a response. You might even find other students' questions pretty informative (someone may have already asked the question you're wondering about), so take a look!

To take your name off this class roster, simply update your account at the Online Learning Center. (Coming Soon)

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