Antihypertensives

Antihypertensives are a class of medications used to treat high blood pressure, also known as hypertension. These medications work to lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of complications associated with hypertension, such as heart disease, stroke, and kidney damage.

Types of Antihypertensives

There are several classes of antihypertensive medications, each with its own mechanism of action:

• Diuretics: These medications work by increasing the excretion of sodium and water from the body, reducing the volume of blood and lowering blood pressure.
• Beta blockers: These medications block the effects of adrenaline, leading to a decrease in heart rate and blood pressure.
• ACE inhibitors: These medications inhibit the production of angiotensin II, a hormone that constricts blood vessels, leading to vasodilation and decreased blood pressure.
• Calcium channel blockers: These medications prevent calcium from entering the cells of the heart and blood vessels, leading to relaxation of the blood vessels and a decrease in blood pressure.
• Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs): These medications block the effects of angiotensin II, leading to vasodilation and a decrease in blood pressure.

Study Guide

When studying antihypertensives, it's important to understand the following key points:

1. Understand the mechanism of action of each class of antihypertensive medication.
2. Be able to differentiate between the different classes of antihypertensives and their specific effects on the body.
3. Learn about the potential side effects and contraindications of each class of antihypertensive medication.
4. Understand the importance of medication adherence and lifestyle modifications in the management of hypertension.
5. Be familiar with common drug interactions and monitoring parameters for patients taking antihypertensive medications.

By mastering these key points, you will have a solid understanding of antihypertensives and be well-prepared to apply this knowledge in a clinical setting.