• Diuretics: also known as “water pills.” While they help reduce blood pressure by flushing out fluid and salt in your body, they also deplete the body of key nutrients such as potassium, calcium, and magnesium. Supplementation of these key nutrients may be necessary when taking diuretics. Diuretics may also increase blood sugar levels; diabetics should use caution when taking diuretics.
• Beta blockers lower blood pressure by reducing heart rate and blood flow. Beta blockers should not be taken with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs). Side effects include insomnia, slow heartbeat, depression, asthma, and impotence. Diabetics should consult with a healthcare professional regarding blood sugar management while taking beta blockers.
• ACE inhibitors work by preventing narrowing of the arteries. ACE inhibitors may increase potassium levels, so potassium levels should be monitored in patients taking ACE inhibitors. Side effects include loss of taste, a hacking cough, and in rare cases, kidney damage.
• Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) are newer blood pressure medications that allow your blood vessels to relax and become wider. Side effects include dizziness.
• Calcium channel blockers (CCBs) prevent calcium from entering the muscle cells of your heart and blood vessels. Calcium channel blockers have varied side effects, and contraindications with different types of medications. Their use should be carefully weighed against the potential risks.
• Alpha blockers reduce nerve impulses that tighten blood vessels, allowing blood to pass through blood vessels more easily. Side effects include dizziness, and a drop in blood pressure upon standing.
• Alpha-beta blockers reduce nerve impulses to blood vessels the same way alpha blockers do, but they also slow heartbeat, as beta blockers do. Side effects include a drop in blood pressure upon standing.
• Nervous system inhibitors relax blood vessels by controlling nerve impulses from the brain.
• Vasodilators open blood vessels by relaxing the muscle in the vessel walls. Side effects include heart palpitations and joint pain.

See the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute’s Guide to Lowering Your High Blood Pressure for more information about taking blood pressure medications.⁷,⁸

1. High Blood Pressure Overview
2. Common symptoms of high blood pressure
3. Common causes of high blood pressure
4. Help me choose a natural and alternative treatment for high blood pressure
5. Dietary and lifestyle recommendations that may help in the treatment of high blood pressure
6. Cited Sources and Additional Reading about high blood pressure