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Behind the scenes of high blood pressure: Which drugs are most effective in preventing heart disease and stroke?
Hypertension is a global health problem. Its complications, such as stroke, heart disease, kidney failure and myocardial infarction, are important factors that threaten life. Drugs used to treat high blood pressure are called antihypertensive drugs, and their main goal is to lower blood pressure in order to prevent the occurrence of the above diseases. According to the study, even a 5 mmHg reduction in blood pressure can reduce the risk of stroke by 34% and the risk of ischemic heart disease by 21%, which also includes a reduced likelihood of dementia, heart failure and death from cardiovascular disease.
“Treating high blood pressure isn’t just about getting the numbers down, it’s about improving overall quality of life and health outcomes.”
Diversity of antihypertensive drugs
Currently, antihypertensive drugs are mainly divided into several categories, including diuretics, calcium channel blockers, ACE inhibitors, ARBs (angiotensin II receptor antagonists) and beta-blockers. Each drug has its own specific mechanism and side effects, and the choice of drug as initial treatment also depends on the patient's age, comorbidities, and physical impairment.
The central role of diuretics
Diuretics lower blood pressure by helping the kidneys get rid of excess salt and water. In the United States, the latest treatment guidelines recommend thiazide diuretics as the first choice for initial treatment. Although there is a lot of evidence to support the use of thiazide diuretics, they are not as popular as some newer drugs in clinical practice, partly because they may increase the risk of diabetes.
Application of calcium channel blockers
Calcium channel blockers work by blocking the entry of calcium into arterial smooth muscle cells, thereby relaxing the blood vessel walls and lowering blood pressure. These drugs are widely recommended as initial treatment, regardless of the patient's age or race. At the same time, their side effects include edema, facial flushing and dizziness.
Comparison of ACE inhibitors and ARBs
ACE inhibitors lower blood pressure by reducing vasoconstriction and are the drug of choice for patients with chronic kidney disease. However, it is less effective than calcium channel blockers or thiazide diuretics in black hypertensive patients without chronic kidney disease. ARBs are considered to be an alternative and effective option in cases of ACE inhibitor intolerance.
The diminishing role of beta-blockersAlthough beta-blockers can lower blood pressure, studies in recent years have shown that they have a limited effect in improving heart disease outcomes. Therefore, beta-blockers are no longer recommended as the first choice for initial treatment. And among people with a history of heart disease, these drugs still play an important role.
Factors affecting patients
The patient's specific circumstances are crucial when choosing an antihypertensive drug. For example, elderly patients may be better candidates for initial use of calcium channel blockers or thiazide diuretics. In addition, patients with diabetes need more protection from ACE inhibitors or ARBs.
Conclusion"The success of hypertension treatment depends not only on the choice of medication, but also on the patient's lifestyle and compliance."
The treatment of hypertension requires personalized management based on the specific circumstances of each patient. Although there are many antihypertensive drugs to choose from, the correct initial treatment strategy is still the key to success. How to find the most suitable antihypertensive drug among many options is a question that every patient with hypertension needs to think about?
