Medical Review by Jennie Stanford, MD, FAAFP, DABOM
Summary:
- Blood pressure medications help manage conditions that can lead to serious health risks like heart disease or stroke.
- Prescription options include ACE inhibitors, calcium channel blockers, beta blockers, diuretics, and ARBs. Each of these medication types works in a distinct way to control your blood pressure.
- OTC and alternative treatments, like potassium supplements or heart-healthy diets, may complement professional care—but should always be used under appropriate clinical guidance.
- Monitoring your progress and consulting with a healthcare provider ensures you receive tailored treatments for effective blood pressure management.
The right blood pressure medication can help protect your health
Blood pressure is a critical measure of your health. High blood pressure (hypertension) can lead to serious conditions like heart disease or stroke, while low blood pressure (hypotension) can cause dizziness, fainting, and even shock in severe cases.
Medications often play a vital role in managing blood pressure. But with so many options, it’s important to understand what’s available to you and how these treatments work.
Below, we break down the different kinds of blood pressure medications—including prescription, over-the-counter (OTC), and alternative options. Keep reading so you can speak with a healthcare provider is essential for finding the right fit.
Prescription medications
If you’re having trouble managing your blood pressure through lifestyle changes, your healthcare provider might recommend prescription medication. The type of medication your provider recommends depends on your specific condition and medical history. Here are some of the most commonly prescribed types:
ACE inhibitors
Examples: lisinopril, enalapril
Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors help lower blood pressure by relaxing blood vessels. They work by blocking angiotensin II, a hormone that causes your blood vessels to tighten. By reducing the levels of this hormone in your system, ACE inhibitors allow your blood to flow more easily, decreasing overall pressure in your circulatory system.
Calcium channel blockers
Examples: amlodipine, diltiazem
These medications prevent calcium from entering your heart and blood vessel cells. Calcium plays a role in muscle contractions, so blocking it relaxes the blood vessels and reduces the heart’s workload. Calcium channel blockers are often prescribed for conditions where blood vessel constriction plays a major role in high blood pressure.
Beta blockers
Examples: metoprolol, atenolol
Beta blockers lower blood pressure by slowing the heart rate and decreasing the force of heart contractions. They are particularly effective for patients with high blood pressure and a history of heart-related conditions, such as arrhythmias or previous heart attacks.
Diuretics
Diuretics, often referred to as “water pills,” help reduce blood pressure by flushing excess sodium and water from the body, which decreases the volume of fluid in your blood vessels. There are three main types of diuretics that may be used to treat high blood pressure:
Thiazide diuretics
Examples: Hydrochlorothiazide, chlorthalidone
These types of diuretics are usually prescribed for high blood pressure. Thiazide diuretics work by reducing sodium reabsorption in the kidneys, which increases the amount of water that leaves your body when you urinate.
Effective as a first-line treatment for many people with hypertension, thiazide diuretics can also help prevent stroke and heart failure when used as a long-term blood pressure treatment.
Loop diuretics
Examples: Furosemide, bumetanide
Loop diuretics act on the loop of Henle in the kidney, blocking sodium and chloride reabsorption. This causes a more intense diuretic effect than the one caused by thiazides.
Loop diuretics are often used for people with heart failure, kidney disease, or severe fluid retention. They are less commonly prescribed for straightforward cases of high blood pressure.
Potassium-sparing diuretics
Examples: Spironolactone, amiloride
Potassium-sparing diuretics help the body get rid of excess sodium and water while maintaining potassium levels.
These diuretics are sometimes used alongside thiazides or loop diuretics to prevent low potassium levels in people with specific medical conditions.
Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs)
Examples: losartan, valsartan
ARBs work by blocking the action of angiotensin II, a hormone that causes blood vessels to tighten. Unlike ACE inhibitors, which prevent the formation of this hormone, ARBs target its effects directly. This results in relaxed blood vessels and lower blood pressure, with fewer side effects for some people.
Over-the-counter medications
Most blood pressure medications require a prescription, but some OTC products may support blood pressure management indirectly:
- Potassium supplements: Adequate potassium intake helps balance the effects of sodium in the body, which can help lower blood pressure.
- Aspirin (low-dose): In certain cases, low-dose aspirin may be recommended to reduce cardiovascular risks, though it should only be used under medical advice.
Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any OTC medication for blood pressure management.
Alternative treatments
For people seeking complementary approaches to blood pressure management, natural or holistic treatments may provide some benefits:
- Dietary approaches: Eating a heart-healthy diet like DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension), which emphasizes fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains, can help lower blood pressure naturally.
- Supplements: Omega-3 fatty acids, magnesium, and coenzyme Q10 have shown promise in supporting healthy blood pressure levels in some studies.
- Mind-body practices: Meditation, yoga, and other mindfulness practices can help reduce stress, which may help lower blood pressure over time—although more research is needed.
While these methods can be beneficial, they are best used as part of a broader treatment plan under the supervision of a healthcare provider.
Related: The most common symptoms of high blood pressure & when to seek professional help
Consulting a healthcare provider
Managing blood pressure effectively often requires a tailored approach. A qualified healthcare provider can:
- Assess your overall health and determine the cause of your blood pressure issues.
- Recommend appropriate treatments, which may include medications, lifestyle changes, or some combination of both. Often, taking more than one blood pressure medication at once can be helpful (as long as you follow the guidance of your healthcare provider).
- Monitor your progress and make adjustments as needed.
Learn more about your blood pressure medication options with Lemonaid Health
Blood pressure medications and alternative treatments offer a wide range of options for managing high or low blood pressure. Understanding these options—and working closely with a healthcare provider to select the right approach for your needs—can make all the difference in achieving and maintaining a healthy blood pressure.
If you’re struggling to manage your blood pressure, Lemonaid Health offers convenient online consultations with US-based healthcare professionals who can provide personalized advice and prescriptions if needed. Get started today and take the next step toward better blood pressure management.
