Hypertension Medication

Hypertension is another name for high blood pressure. Hypertension can lead to heart disease, heart attack, kidney failure, vision loss and stroke. Lifestyle changes are needed as well as medication.

A common hypertension medication is diuretics. These water pills dilate arteries, increase urine output and decrease blood volume which reduces blood pressure. Diuretics are prescribed for mild high blood pressure.

Beta-blockers are another hypertension medication. These drugs reduce the heart rate and decrease the pressure caused by the heart contracting. Beta-blockers are prescribed for those who have had a heart attack, have heart disease or angina.