What are normal and elevated blood pressure levels?
Normal blood pressure is defined as systolic less than 120 and diastolic less than 80.
Elevated blood pressure is defined as systolic between 120–129 and diastolic less than 80.
Stage I hypertension is defined as systolic between 130–139 and diastolic between 80–89. Stage II hypertension is defined as systolic greater than or equal to 140 or diastolic greater than or equal to 90.
What is a hypertensive crisis?
A hypertensive crisis is defined as systolic pressure greater than 180 and diastolic greater than 120.
Non-pharmacological ways to lower blood pressure
Ways to lower blood pressure without medication include weight loss, sodium restriction, alcohol restriction, aerobic exercise, smoking cessation, and following the D.A.S.H eating plan.
What are the most common blood pressure medications?
The most common types of medications that lower blood pressure include:
- Diuretics
- Beta blockers
- Angiotensin II receptors
- Alpha-beta blockers
- Alpha II agonists
- Vasodilators
- Calcium channel blockers
- ACE inhibitors
List of medications that lower blood pressure
| Drug family | Examples |
| Diuretics | Hydrochlorothiazide Chlorthalidone Furosemide Torsemide Spironolactone |
| Beta blockers | Atenolol Metoprolol Propranolol Timolol |
| Alpha II Agonists | Clonidine Guanfacine |
| Calcium channel blockers | Amlodipine Diltiazem Verapamil |
| Angiotensin II receptors | Losartan Valsartan |
| Alpha-beta blockers | Carvedilol Labetalol |
| Vasodilators | Hydralazine Minoxidil |
| ACE inhibitors | Ramipril Enalapril Lisinopril Captopril |
Blood pressure medications’ side effects
Diuretics: adverse effects
Adverse effects of diuretics include:
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Dehydration
- Muscle cramps
- Impotence
Beta blockers: adverse effects
Adverse effects of beta blockers include:
- Lower heart rate
- Cold hands/feet
- Fatigue
- Weight gain
- Depression
- Shortness of breath
- Difficulty sleeping
Angiotensin II receptors: adverse effects
Adverse effects of angiotensin II receptors include:
- Blurred vision
- Difficulty breathing
- Nausea/vomiting
- Numbness
- Irregular heart rate
- Stomach pain
Diuretics: adverse effects
Adverse effects of alpha-beta blockers include:
- Chest pain
- Dizziness/fainting
- Lightheadedness
- Legs edema
- Pain
Alpha II agonists: adverse effects
Adverse effects of alpha II agonists include:
- Nausea/gastric upset
- Dry mouth
- Constipation
- Hypotension
- Depression
Vasodilators: adverse effects
Adverse effects of vasodilators include:
- Tachycardia
- Palpitations
- Edema
- Nausea/vomiting
- Headache
- Joint pain
- Excessive hair growth
Calcium channel blockers: adverse effects
Adverse effects of calcium channel blockers include:
- Constipation
- Dizziness
- Palpitations
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Rash
- Face flushing
ACE inhibitors: adverse effects
Adverse effects of ACE inhibitors include:
- Dry cough
- Hyperkalemia
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Loss of taste
Which blood pressure medications can cause erectile dysfunction?
Erectile dysfunction may be an adverse effect of:
- Diuretics (can decrease blood for to penis)
- Beta blockers (can interfere with nervous system’s ability to trigger erections)
- Alpha blockers (relax certain muscles, help small blood vessels remain open; can sometimes cause ED)
- Alpha II agonists (can can interfere with nervous system’s ability to trigger erections)
Which blood pressure medications cause weight gain?
Weight gain may be an adverse effect of:
- Beta blockers (can slow down metabolism)
- Calcium channel blockers (not common)
Which blood pressure medications cause coughing?
Coughing may be an adverse effect of ACE inhibitors.
