Types of Hypertension Medications
This class of drugs ends in "-pril" and prevents the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II.
What are ACE inhibitors?
ACE inhibitors work by preventing the conversion of this hormone, which normally causes vasoconstriction and fluid retention.
What is angiotensin II?
This life-threatening side effect of ACE inhibitors causes swelling of the tongue, lips, and airway.
What is angioedema?
This class of potassium-wasting diuretics includes hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) and works in the distal tubules of the kidney.
What are thiazide diuretics?
A hypertensive crisis occurs when a patient’s blood pressure is above this dangerous threshold.
What is 180/120 mmHg?
Patients on beta-blockers should be instructed to monitor this vital sign before taking their medication.
What is heart rate (HR)?
This class of medications, ending in "-sartan", blocks the effects of angiotensin II, leading to vasodilation and sodium excretion.
What are Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers (ARBs)?
Calcium channel blockers (CCBs) lower blood pressure by inhibiting the entry of this mineral into cardiac and vascular smooth muscle cells.
What is calcium?
Patients taking potassium-sparing diuretics should avoid this type of food due to the risk of hyperkalemia.
What are potassium-rich foods (bananas, oranges, spinach, potatoes)?
This powerful class of diuretics, ending in "-mide" or "-nide", works in the loop of Henle to promote rapid fluid loss.
What are loop diuretics?
This IV medication is used for rapid blood pressure reduction but must be administered slowly to avoid organ damage.
What is nitroprusside?
Patients taking ACE inhibitors should avoid this over-the-counter pain reliever, as it can reduce the medication’s effectiveness.
What is ibuprofen (NSAIDs)?
This class of drugs reduces blood volume by blocking aldosterone, causing sodium and water excretion while retaining potassium.
What are aldosterone antagonists (potassium-sparing diuretics)?
Diuretics reduce blood pressure by promoting the excretion of these two key electrolytes in urine.
What are sodium and potassium?
This class of medications should not be given to asthmatic patients, as it can cause bronchoconstriction.
What are non-selective beta-blockers?
Aldosterone antagonists (potassium-sparing diuretics) block the effects of this hormone, which normally promotes sodium retention.
What is aldosterone?
In a hypertensive emergency, blood pressure should not be lowered below this target range to prevent organ hypoperfusion.
What is 140/90 mmHg?
Patients on calcium channel blockers (CCBs) should avoid consuming this fruit, as it interferes with drug metabolism.
What is grapefruit?
This class of drugs, ending in "-zosin", acts on the peripheral nervous system to cause vasodilation.
What are Alpha-1 Adrenergic Blockers?
Beta-blockers lower blood pressure by reducing the effects of this sympathetic nervous system hormone.
What is epinephrine (adrenaline)?
Patients taking loop diuretics (e.g., furosemide) should be monitored for this common electrolyte imbalance.
What is hypokalemia (low potassium levels)?
Loop diuretics can cause ototoxicity, leading to this auditory complication.
What is tinnitus (ringing in the ears)?
This condition, caused by severe hypertension, can lead to blindness if left untreated.
What is hypertensive retinopathy?
Patients taking diuretics should be encouraged to increase their intake of this fluid to prevent dehydration.
What is water?
These medications, ending in "-olol", slow the heart rate and reduce cardiac output by blocking beta receptors in the heart.
What are Beta Blockers?
Nitroprusside, used in hypertensive crises, works by directly relaxing these blood vessels.
What are arteries and veins?
Calcium channel blockers (CCBs) can cause this common side effect due to their vasodilatory effect.
What is peripheral edema (swelling of the legs/feet)?
Patients taking diuretics should be educated to monitor this vital sign before taking their medication.
What is blood pressure (BP)?
Hypertensive encephalopathy can present with these two neurological symptoms.
What are severe headache and confusion?
Patients who abruptly stop beta-blockers may experience this serious cardiovascular event.
What is rebound hypertension or myocardial infarction (heart attack)?