Hypertension is increasing among America’s population. Researchers suggest between 25-33 percent of citizens have reason to be very concerned with checking/regulating their blood pressure. If hypertension is diagnosed, the family physician will probably suggest several lifestyle changes, to ascertain whether the problem can be solved without more invasive treatment. However, many people will require one or more high blood pressure medicines, to prevent dangerous health issues, in addition to encouraging healthier choices.
Among the plethora of medicines, the more common antihypertensive drugs used are ACE inhibitors. “These drugs prevent your blood vessels from constricting by blocking your body from making angiotensin II. Angiotensin II is a chemical that constricts blood vessels”. If a sufferer of high blood pressure has already adjusted his/her lifestyle and ACE inhibitors are required, the medicine will be a lifelong addition to the daily regiment.
An alternative to ACE inhibitors may be another high blood pressure medicine called calcium channel blockers. “These open up the blood vessels making it easier for the heart to work” (Medicines for High Blood Pressure). Calcium channel blockers also prevent the vessels from constricting. However, only a doctor can determine the right medicines for his/her patients.
Anyone can suffer from hypertension, and require permanent, or temporary, treatment. However, the majority of patients are either elderly or pregnant. For the individuals developing the disease in later years, daily medications are likely necessary for the remainder of life. Oftentimes, the family will have a history of hypertension.
In contrast, pregnancies are often plagued by increased blood pressure. Because of potential side effects to the unborn child, doctors generally avoid prescribing high blood pressure medicine. If the baby is close enough to term, the doctor may opt to perform a caesarian, and take the baby early. Mothers have been known to stroke out before the baby is born, or have added complications during delivery. Changes are, once the pregnancy ends, the blood pressure will return to safe pre-pregnancy levels.
If anyone’s blood pressure remains at unacceptably high levels, the potential for life-threatening complications increase. In addition to heat attacks and strokes, individuals suffering from high blood pressure can also have damaged kidneys or eyes. Unbelievably, the pressure may eventually cause renal failure, leading to dialysis and transplants. “Your kidneys are responsible for filtering and excreting excess fluid and waste from your blood - processes that are highly dependent on the smooth operation of your blood vessels” (Mayo Clinic Staff). In addition, high blood pressure can be linked to vision problems. In some cases, the patient will go completely blind. Excess pressure can damage the delicate vessels leading to the retina.
In conclusion, do not take any chances. A check only takes a minute, and that particular minute can save a life. Do not let the disease dictate the health of the entire body. If the doctor prescribes medicine, to prevent devastating consequences, take it. With regular checks, a little problem can be curtailed, before it becomes a matter of life and death.
Erol Orderland
http://www.articlesbase.com/non-fiction-articles/how-safe-are-high-blood-pressure-medicines-82647.html
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Comments
Are high blood pressure meds safe for pregnant women?
I’m 28 weeks pregnant and at my last ob/gyn appt. my bp was 140/70. I feel great but I think 140/70 is not high enough for bp meds. How safe are high blood pressure medicine for a unborn child?
140/70 isn’t within treatment range, but is for certain groups of people (people with diabetes etc). All medication should be avoided in pregnancy unless absolutely essential. Blood pressure medication would be considered essential. The higher the BP, the greater the stroke risk. Having a higher than optimal blood pressure can put you at an increased risk of pre-eclampsia so you will be monitored, but unless you have other complications, anti-hypertensive medication is generally not indicated with BP of 140.
Single BP readings should never be considered diagnostic anyway. For a more accurate result, BP should really be measured over a 24 hour period to reduce the ‘white coat’ effect. BP is variable.
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Cardiac Nurse
What problems may high blood pressure cause for my baby?
The effects of high blood pressure are different for each baby. The effects on your baby’s health depend on when you developed high blood pressure. There are greater effects if you develop high blood pressure early in pregnancy. High blood pressure can cause problems with the flow of blood through the placenta. This can slow the baby’s growth. Medication for high blood pressure can make this better by improving the flow of blood to the baby.
What care will I need if I have high blood pressure?
If you have high blood pressure, the type of care you need will depend on:
• how high your blood pressure is
• how many weeks pregnant you are
• what signs of high blood pressure you have
You may need more tests to check your health, and the health of your baby. These tests may include an ultrasound, blood tests and urine tests. If your urine has more protein than usual, you may be asked to collect all your urine for 24 hours. Testing a 24-hour collection of urine is a more accurate way to measure the amount of protein.
Your doctor may decide to give you medication to lower your blood pressure. Many different medications can be used. These pills are called antihypertensives. Some women may need to take more than one type of medication to help lower their blood pressure. You may need to stay in the hospital so the doctors and nurses can watch you and your baby closely. In hospital you may have more tests or have your medications changed. Your doctor may decide that early delivery is necessary to help lower your blood pressure. This decision depends on your health, your baby’s health and the number of weeks of the pregnancy. Your blood pressure will go down after your baby is born.
Take care as always!
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