High Blood Pressure and Your Stroke

By Joe Flasher

There is a wealth of information available on high blood pressure (hypertension). In fact there is so much information that the subject and its treatment can become confusing but it is relatively simple. If you've had a stroke you are being monitored by your physician and very probably taking blood pressure medication even if you're not showing high blood pressure because these drugs can moderate or help prevent another stroke. By taking your blood pressure medication you are helping to control one of the risk factors for another stroke.

There are several drugs available for treating high blood pressure and the choice your physician makes depends upon several factors such as what is causing the condition and how high is your pressure. There are lifestyle changes that should be made to lower pressure; such as following a healthy eating plan, stop smoking, reducing salt intake, exercise, limiting alcohol intake and maintaining a healthy weight. The following is a list of the types of medications used and how they work.

DIURETICS

These are sometimes called "water pills" because they work in the kidneys and flush sodium from the body.

BETA-BLOCKERS

These drugs block nerve impulses to the heart and blood vessels. This makes the heart beat slower and with less force thus, blood pressure drops and the heart does not work as hard.

ACE INHIBITORS

Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors prevent the formation of an enzyme called angiotennsin II, which normally causes blood vessels to narrow. The ACE inhibitors cause blood vessels to relax and pressure goes down.

ANGIOTESNIN ANTAGONISTS

This medication shields blood vessels from angiotensin II. As a result the vessels become wider and pressure comes down.

CALCIUM CHANNEL BLOCKERS

These keep calcium from entering the heart and blood vessels. This causes vessels to relax and pressure goes down.

ALPHA-BLOCKERS

These reduce nerve impulses to the vessel which allows blood to flow more freely which in turn causes pressure to go down.

ALPHA-BETA-BLOCKERS

These act the same way as alpha-blockers, but also slow the heart beat as beta-blockers do. As a result less blood is pumped through the vessels and the pressure goes down.

NERVOUS SYSTEM INHIBITORS

These relax blood vessels by controlling nerve impulses. This causes blood vessels to become wider and pressure to come down.

VASODILATORS

These open blood vessels by relaxing the muscle in the vessel walls causing the pressure to go down.

All of these types can be used either separately or in combination. The ACE inhibitors either alone or in combination with a diuretic seems to be the most popular choice at the present time. The following is a list of brand names of ACE inhibitors.

Accupril Monopril

Altace Prinivil

Aceeon Univasc

Capoten Vasotec

Lotensin Zestril

As with any drug the ACE inhibitors have some side effects to be conscious of. If you experience fever, chills, hoarseness, swelling of the face contact your doctor immediately. Dizziness or light headedness should be reported, but is not an emergency. A dry hacking cough or headache is the more common side effect you might encounter; and less frequently diarrhea, nausea or unusual tiredness.

Once again the bottom line on the best drug for you is the one that works without excess side effects.

The Stroke Network, Inc.

P.O. Box 492 Abingdon, Maryland 21009