High blood pressure medication has been developed for decades and doctors now have a pretty good idea of what they can give you and in which combinations.
In this article, I'll give you an overview of what to expect and also tell you how there is a scientifically proven alternative to drugs.
ACE Inhibitors This class of drugs prevents the formation of a hormone that causes your arteries to narrow and therefore gives you high blood pressure.
Common side effects include dizziness and a persistent dry cough.
Beta Blockers These drugs block the transmission of some nerve impulses and have something similar to a sedative effect.
Common side effects include cold hands or feet.
The UK government advises against using them for blood pressure lowering as they may play a part in causing Type II diabetes.
Calcium Channel Blockers These drugs stop calcium entering the muscle cells of the arteries.
This allows them to relax more easily and widen.
Ankle swelling and constipation are common side effects.
Diuretics These drugs make you urinate more frequently to rid the body of excess sodium Drug Management Your doctor will try to make various combinations of the above in an effort to minimise the side effects.
Ultimately, however, most patients will have to learn to cope with some side effects.
Paradoxically, these drugs can even cause an increase in the risk of heart attack and stroke - precisely the reason why you want to lower your blood pressure in the first place! Natural/Lifestyle Risk Reduction Far better is to simply take a look at your lifestyle and address the three main causes: diet, stress and the right types of exercise.