Medication knowledge that patients with hypertension must know

Hypertension, as a common cardiovascular disease, has become an important part of health problems worldwide. According to statistics from the World Health Organization, hypertension is one of the main risk factors for heart disease, stroke and other related diseases. Therefore, for patients with hypertension, correct medication knowledge is essential. This article will introduce the medication knowledge that patients with hypertension must know to help patients better manage the disease and stay healthy.

1. The importance of correct medication in controlling high blood pressure

1. Reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease: Hypertension is one of the main risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Long-term untreated hypertension increases the risk of cardiovascular complications such as heart disease and stroke. By properly using medication to control blood pressure, you can effectively reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and protect the health of the heart and blood vessels.

2. Reduce organ damage: High blood pressure can damage important organs such as the heart, brain, and kidneys, leading to complications such as cardiovascular disease, stroke, and kidney disease. Controlling high blood pressure with the right medication can reduce the burden on these organs and reduce the risk of organ damage.

3. Protect blood vessel health: Hypertension can cause damage to blood vessel walls and the occurrence of arteriosclerosis, increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease. Proper use of drugs to control hypertension can reduce intravascular pressure, reduce the burden on blood vessels, protect blood vessel health, and prevent the occurrence of arteriosclerosis and vascular diseases.

4. Improve the quality of life: Hypertension can cause headaches, dizziness, fatigue, dyspnea and other discomfort symptoms, affecting the patient's quality of life. Controlling blood pressure through proper medication can effectively alleviate these discomfort symptoms, improve the patient's quality of life, and enable them to better carry out daily activities and work.

Classification of common hypertension drugs

1. Diuretics: Diuretics are commonly used drugs for the treatment of hypertension. Their mechanism of action is to encourage the kidneys to increase urine excretion, thereby reducing the amount of fluid in the body and lowering blood pressure. Diuretics can be divided into different types, such as loop diuretics, thiazide diuretics, and potassium-sparing diuretics. Common diuretics include hydrochlorothiazide, furosemide, spironolactone, etc.

2. β-blockers: β-blockers reduce the heart's contractility and heart rate by blocking the action of β-receptors, thereby reducing the heart's demand for blood and lowering blood pressure. This type of drug is often used to treat cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension, angina pectoris, and myocardial infarction. Common β-blockers include metoprolol, atenolol, carvedilol, etc.

3. Calcium channel blockers: Calcium channel blockers block the permeability of intracellular calcium channels, inhibit myocardial contraction and vascular smooth muscle contraction, thereby dilating blood vessels and lowering blood pressure. This type of drug can also reduce the burden on the heart and prevent cardiovascular diseases such as angina pectoris. Common calcium channel blockers include amlodipine, nifedipine, felodipine, etc.

4. Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI): Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors block the production of angiotensin II by inhibiting the activity of angiotensin converting enzyme, thereby dilating blood vessels and lowering blood pressure. This type of drug also has the function of protecting the kidneys and heart, and is often used to treat diseases such as hypertension and heart failure. Common ACEIs include enalapril, captopril, benazepril, etc.

5. Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs): Angiotensin II receptor antagonists inhibit vasoconstriction and lower blood pressure by blocking the binding of angiotensin II to its receptors. This type of drug is similar to ACEI, but the mechanism of action is slightly different. ARBs are usually used to treat diseases such as hypertension and diabetic nephropathy. Common ARBs include losartan, valsartan, irbesartan, etc.

3. How to use hypertension drugs correctly

1. Take medication according to the doctor's instructions: Hypertension medications should be taken strictly according to the doctor's instructions. Do not change the dosage or stop taking the medication at will. The doctor will prescribe appropriate medications based on the patient's blood pressure, age, gender, physical condition and other factors. The patient should take the medication on time according to the doctor's instructions and follow the instructions for use of the medication.

2. Take medication regularly: Hypertension medications need to be taken regularly, usually once or twice a day. Patients should try to take medications at the same time, and can choose to take them at the same time as breakfast, lunch or dinner to ensure the stability and continuity of the medication and avoid missing or repeating the medication.

3. Do not miss medication time: The effect of high blood pressure drugs is affected by the time of medication, so patients should not miss any medication time. If you miss a medication due to special circumstances, you should continue to take it according to the doctor's instructions at the next normal medication time, instead of taking double doses.

4. Avoid interactions between diet and medication: Some high blood pressure medications need to be taken before or after meals. Patients should follow the doctor's advice before taking medications and avoid eating foods that may affect the efficacy of medications before or after taking medications. In addition, some foods and beverages may affect the absorption and metabolism of medications, so patients should try to avoid foods and beverages that may interact with medications.

5. Avoid interactions with other drugs: Patients should avoid interactions with other drugs while using hypertension drugs, especially alcohol, anti-infective drugs, antidepressants and other drugs that interact with each other. When using other drugs, consult a doctor or pharmacist to avoid adverse drug interactions.

IV. Precautions for medication

1. Monitor blood pressure regularly: Patients should monitor their blood pressure levels regularly while using hypertension medications to ensure the effectiveness of drug treatment. By measuring blood pressure regularly, changes in blood pressure can be detected in a timely manner, and the dosage or type of medication can be adjusted as needed to keep blood pressure within the ideal range.

2. Pay attention to the preservation and storage of drugs: Hypertension drugs should be stored in a dry, cool, dark place, away from children and pets. When carrying drugs, patients should pay attention to maintaining the integrity and dryness of the drugs to avoid moisture or damage to the drugs, which will affect the stability and efficacy of the drugs.

3. Do not stop taking medication suddenly: Patients should not stop taking hypertension medication suddenly. They should gradually reduce the dosage of medication according to the doctor's advice until they stop taking the medication. Sudden medication withdrawal may cause adverse reactions such as blood pressure rebound or drug withdrawal syndrome, increasing the risk of cardiovascular events.

Conclusion

In the process of treating hypertension, correct medication knowledge is crucial. By understanding the types of drugs, mechanisms of action, side effects and precautions, patients can take medication with greater peace of mind and choose and use drugs rationally under the guidance of doctors. I hope that the medication knowledge introduced in this article can help everyone better manage the disease and enjoy a healthy life.

Author: Li Caiyun, Pharmacy Department, Xiamao Town Health Center, Sihui City