Blood Pressure Medication – The Five Deadly Sins

SIN ONE: BETA BLOCKERS:

There is widespread use of beta blockers in treating heart diseases. This drug is supposed to manage heart function by controlling the heart rate. In other words this drug decreases the amount of heart beats in a minute. This drug works on the surface of the heart itself. It does two things two reduce blood pressure. First it minimizes or prevents nerve impulses from getting to the heart. This decreases the rate, force and volume of blood pumped from the heart thereby decreasing the amount of force exerted on the arteries.

Beta Blockers also help to keep blood vessels open (dilated). This eases stress on the heart

Side effects of beta blockers include insomnia, cold hands and feet, tiredness and depression.
Stopping this medication may lead to asthmatic like symptoms, decrease good cholesterol and an increased heart rate.

Common Beta Blockers
o Propranolol (Inderal)
o Nadolol (Corgard)
o Metoprolol ( Lopressor)
o Timolol (Blocarden)

Some one taking beta blocker blockers are better off getting counseling for stress relief, learning breathing exercises and listening to relaxing music

SIN TWO: WATER PILLS / DIURETICS

The main function of diuretics is to increase the formation of urine. These drugs remove fluid and salt from the body which decreases blood volume which makes it easier to flow through the arteries thus decreasing blood pressure.

The main problem with diuretics is that they can't tell the difference between things that are good for the body and things that are bad. So what happens with this type of drug is that you lose vital nutrients like potassium, magnesium, vitamin C that you need to function on a daily basis.

SIDE EFFECTS:
o Muscle pain
o Cramps

Common Names
o Diuril
o Lasix
o Aldactone

SIN THREE: CALCIUM CHANNEL BLOCKERS

This type of medication is commonly used in treating high blood pressure by affecting the "tightness" (tone) of the smooth muscle in blood vessel walls. Calcium blockers prevent the flow of calcium into smooth muscle preventing
contraction of the smooth muscle of the blood vessel wall preventing narrowing of the blood vessels.
This type of blood pressure medication slows down the impulses to the heart for pumping; therefore, the heart becomes relaxed.

Side Effects:
o Allergic Reactions
o Anxiety
o Blurred Vision
o Breathing Difficulty
o Chest Pains
o Depression
o Drowsiness
o Dry Mouth
o Fatigue
o Fever
o Headaches

Common Drugs:

Calcium Channel Blockers That Dilate Blood Vessels
o DynaCirc Cr
o Norvasc
o Plendil
o Procardia XL
o Sular

SIN FOUR: ACE INHIBITORS

Angiotensin Converting Enzyme Inhibitors (ACE Inhibitors), prevent the formation of angiotensin II, a chemical that causes blood vessels to narrow. ACE inhibitors allow blood vessels to relax and stay wide open letting blood move freely and easily without minimal resistance.

ACE Inhibitors also reduce the release of an adrenal hormone Aldosterone. Aldosterone promotes sodium and salt retention.

Side effects:
o Anxiety
o Blurred vision
o Chest Pains
o Cough
o Dry Eyes
o Dry mouth
o Diarrhea
o Dizziness
o Fatigue
o Fever
o G.I Bleeding or Pain
o Headaches
o Nose Bleeds
o Bleeding Gums

Common ACE Inhibitors
o Prazosin (Minipress)
o Doxazosin (Cardura)
o Aceon
o Altace
o Capoten
o Lotensin
o Mavik
o Prinivil
o Vasotec
o Zestril

SIN 5: ALPHA RECEPTOR BLOCKERS

Alpha blockers decrease the nerve impulses to blood vessels preventing the smooth muscle of the blood vessels to contract. This relaxes the blood vessels and allows blood to move freely and easily throughout the body.

Side Effects:
o Initial dip in blood pressure causing dizziness
o Abdominal Cramps
o Allergic Reactions
o Anxiety
o Blurred vision
o Confusion
o Constipation
o Cramps
o Depression
o Dreams
o Dry Mouth
o Diarrhea
o Dizziness
o Headaches
o Hyperglycemia
o Hypertension

***Long term use of Alpha Blockers may cause heart failure!***

So there you have it the deadly sins. Each of the drugs treats the symptom of high blood pressure. They do not correct the problem. There are some very natural ways to lower blood pressure. We know that 90- 95% of high blood pressure is caused by diet and lifestyle choices. Knowing this you can take control and reverse the situation.

For More Information Click Here

Source 4 Foods Never To Eat