List of blood pressure medications

Common groups include ACE inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers, calcium-channel blockers, diuretics and beta blockers. Each has different uses and possible effects. The choice may change with kidney function, diabetes, pregnancy, asthma, pulse rate and other medicines.

Treatment aims to reduce strain on the heart and blood vessels. Managing Hypertension can also help lower the risk of complications such as Stroke, transient ischaemic attack and Angina, but a reading or symptom alone does not determine which medicine you need.

Take the medicine at the prescribed time and do not double a missed dose unless your clinician tells you to. Keep a record of home readings, symptoms and new medicines. Some people need one medicine; others need a combination or dose adjustment.

Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring may show how pressure behaves during ordinary activities and sleep. Ask before using decongestants, anti-inflammatory painkillers or supplements, as they may affect blood pressure or interact with treatment.

Call emergency services for severe chest pain, sudden weakness on one side, trouble speaking, severe breathlessness or fainting. A new severe Headache with neurological symptoms also needs urgent assessment. For troublesome ankle swelling, persistent cough, wheezing or repeated light-headedness, contact your prescriber for a medication review.

Ask which medicine group you are taking, what it is intended to do, when it should be reviewed and what to do after a missed dose. Also ask which over-the-counter products to avoid and how to monitor your readings.