antihüpertensiivsete

Antihypertensives, also known as antihypertensive drugs, are medications used to treat high blood pressure, or hypertension. They work by relaxing blood vessels, reducing the amount of blood the heart has to pump, and lowering blood pressure. There are several classes of antihypertensives, each with its own mechanism of action. These include:

Diuretics: These drugs increase urine production, which helps to reduce the volume of blood in the body and lower blood pressure.

Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme (ACE) Inhibitors: These medications block the action of an enzyme that narrows blood vessels, thereby relaxing them and lowering blood pressure.

Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers (ARBs): Similar to ACE inhibitors, ARBs block the action of angiotensin II, a hormone that constricts blood vessels.

Calcium Channel Blockers: These drugs prevent calcium from entering smooth muscle cells in the walls of blood vessels, which relaxes the vessels and lowers blood pressure.

Beta Blockers: These medications block the action of adrenaline, a hormone that narrows blood vessels and increases heart rate, thereby relaxing the vessels and slowing the heart rate.

Alpha Blockers: These drugs block the action of adrenaline on blood vessels, causing them to relax and lowering blood pressure.

Central Alpha Agonists: These medications mimic the action of adrenaline in the brain, causing blood vessels to relax and lowering blood pressure.

Antihypertensives are typically prescribed as part of a comprehensive treatment plan that may include lifestyle modifications such as a low-sodium diet, regular exercise, and weight loss. They are usually taken orally and can be used alone or in combination with other medications. The choice of antihypertensive drug depends on various factors, including the severity of hypertension, the presence of any underlying conditions, and individual patient preferences. Regular monitoring of blood pressure is essential to ensure that the medication is effective and to adjust the dosage as needed.