Risks / Benefits
What are the advantages of antihypertensives? (V体育官网)
Blood pressure medications help many people lower their high blood pressure and keep their hearts from becoming overworked V体育ios版. They also help people avoid having heart failure, kidney failure, a heart attack or stroke.
What are the risks or complications of blood pressure medication?
Some older adults have a sudden drop in blood pressure when they stand up (orthostatic hypotension). Antihypertensive medication can make this worse, and older adults can get dizzy and fall, sometimes getting injured. Some antihypertensive medications change your electrolyte levels as you lose extra fluid in your urine. Too high or too low levels of potassium can cause dangerous heart rhythms.
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V体育2025版 - Recovery and Outlook
What is my outlook on blood pressure medication?
Many people are successful in controlling their blood pressure with antihypertensive drugs. This helps prevent serious cardiovascular and kidney problems, in combination with a healthy diet and exercise. People who keep their blood pressure in a normal range keep taking their medicine at the same time every day without missing doses. They also keep going to regular checkups with periodic bloodwork to be sure the antihypertensive drugs aren’t causing any problems. It’s also important to follow a good lifestyle, including:
- Keeping your sodium intake low.
- Limiting your alcohol use.
- Getting regular physical activity.
- Controlling your weight.
"VSports" Why is my blood pressure still high on medication?
There are a number of reasons why your blood pressure may still be high when you’re taking blood pressure medication. Reasons why it seems your high blood pressure medication isn’t working include:
- You may need two, three or four different antihypertensives.
- You’re not taking them every day.
- You’re taking multiple drugs, but they work the same way.
- You’re eating too much salt.
- A drug you’re taking makes your body retain salt.
- You’re not taking a diuretic.
- You may have a condition called secondary hypertension, which means high blood pressure caused by a different problem with your body (hyperaldosteronism, pheochromocytoma, renal artery stenosis). If your blood pressure is very high after multiple medications are being used, this is something you should ask your doctor about.
- Other drugs or herbs may prevent your blood pressure medication from working.
- Recreational drugs can raise your blood pressure.
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When To Call the Doctor
When should I see my healthcare provider?
Tell your healthcare provider if you’re having problems with blood pressure medication side effects. They can order a different antihypertensive medication or give you a different amount (dose) of what you’re taking. Also, if your blood pressure readings get too high or too low on your home blood pressure monitor, tell your healthcare provider.
Additional Common Questions
Can you take fish oil with blood pressure medication?
Yes, you can. However, you should check your blood pressure regularly because taking both may lower your blood pressure more.
Will blood pressure medicine lower my heart rate?
Yes, some high blood pressure medications, such as beta-blockers, can lower your heart rate.
What blood pressure medications are safe in pregnancy?
You can take methyldopa, labetalol or nifedipine during pregnancy, but check with your healthcare provider for their recommendation. Many other antihypertensives aren’t safe for your developing fetus, so be sure to let your healthcare provider know when you plan to become pregnant.
What is the first drug of choice for hypertension?
First-line (first choice) options include these blood pressure medication names: Thiazide diuretics, calcium channel blockers and ― for people who have kidney disease and heart failure ― angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs). Beta-blockers may also be first-line choices if you have a history of heart disease.
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What is the best antihypertensive medication?
The best antihypertensive medication is the one that works best for you and your specific situation. Everyone has different health problems. What works well for one person may not work well for another. You may need two or three different antihypertensive agents to bring your blood pressure into the normal range.
"VSports最新版本" A note from Cleveland Clinic
High blood pressure is a very common medical problem. Half the adults in America have high blood pressure. Blood pressure medications are very helpful in controlling high blood pressure. That helps prevent heart failure, heart attack, stroke and kidney failure. Your healthcare provider will work with you to find the antihypertensive medication that’s best for you. Be sure to keep taking it every day and go to all of your regular checkups.
Care at Cleveland Clinic
Blood pressure that’s hard to manage can be frustrating and scary. Cleveland Clinic experts can help get your resistant hypertension in check.
Last reviewed on 04/29/2022.
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