18/03/2023
Health Conditions
Featured
Breast Cancer
IBD
Migraine
Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Type 2 Diabetes
Sponsored Topics
Articles
Acid Reflux
ADHD
Allergies
Alzheimer's & Dementia
Bipolar Disorder
Cancer
Crohn's Disease
Chronic Pain
Cold & Flu
COPD
Depression
Fibromyalgia
Heart Disease
High Cholesterol
HIV
Hypertension
IPF
Osteoarthritis
Psoriasis
Skin Disorders and Care
STDs
Discover
Wellness Topics
Nutrition
Fitness
Skin Care
Sexual Health
Women's Health
Mental Well-Being
Sleep
Product Reviews
Vitamins & Supplements
Sleep
Mental Health
Nutrition
At-Home Testing
CBD
Men’s Health
Original Series
Fresh Food Fast
Diagnosis Diaries
You’re Not Alone
Present Tense
Video Series
Youth in Focus
Healthy Harvest
No More Silence
Future of Health
Plan
Health Challenges
Mindful Eating
Sugar Savvy
Move Your Body
Gut Health
Mood Foods
Align Your Spine
Find Care
Primary Care
Mental Health
OB-GYN
Dermatologists
Neurologists
Cardiologists
Orthopedists
Lifestyle Quizzes
Weight Management
Am I Depressed? A Quiz for Teens
Are You a Workaholic?
How Well Do You Sleep?
Tools & Resources
Health News
Find a Diet
Find Healthy Snacks
Drugs A-Z
Health A-Z
Connect
Find Your Bezzy Community
Breast Cancer
Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Psoriatic Arthritis
Migraine
Multiple Sclerosis
Psoriasis
Follow us on social media
SUBSCRIBE
A List of Blood Pressure Medications
Medically reviewed by Alan Carter, Pharm.D. — By The Healthline Editorial Team — Updated on Apr 7, 2020
Diuretics
Beta-blockers
ACE inhibitors
ARBs
Calcium channel blockers
Alpha-blockers
Alpha-beta-blockers
Central agonists
Vasodilators
Aldosterone receptor antagonists
Direct renin inhibitors
Treatment plans
Takeaway
Q&A
Dozens of different medications can help treat high blood pressure. Called antihypertensives, these drugs are divided into many different categories, each of which works differently and causes different side effects.
High blood pressure can lead to many serious health problems, such as heart attack, heart failure, stroke, and kidney disease. Treating high blood pressure early is important in preventing these and other problems.
With so many medication options available, finding the best one for you may take some time and patience. Your doctor will work with you to find the best treatment plan for you, which may include one or more medications.
Diuretics
Diuretics are some of the most commonly used drugs for treating high blood pressure. They help the kidneys get rid of excess water and sodium, or salt. This reduces the volume of blood that needs to pass through your blood vessels, which lowers your blood pressure.
There are three major types of diuretics: thiazide, potassium-sparing, and loop diuretics. Thiazide diuretics generally have fewer side effects than the others. This is especially true when they’re prescribed in the low doses that are generally used in treating early high blood pressure.
Examples of thiazide diuretics include:
chlorthalidone (Hygroton)
chlorothiazide (Diuril)
hydrochlorothiazide (Hydrodiuril, Microzide)
indapamide (Lozol)
metolazone (Zaroxolyn)
Examples of potassium-sparing diuretics include:
amiloride (Midamor)
spironolactone (Aldactone)
triamterene (Dyrenium)
Examples of loop diuretics include:
bumetanide (Bumex)
furosemide (Lasix)
torsemide (Demadex)
Examples of combination diuretics include:
amiloride hydrochloride/hydrochlorothiazide (Moduretic)
spironolactone/hydrochlorothiazide (Aldactazide)
triamterene/hydrochlorothiazide (Dyazide, Maxzide)
Beta-blockers
Beta-blockers work by blocking the actions of chemicals in your body that stimulate your heart. This allows your heart to beat with less speed and force. Your heart pumps less blood through the blood vessels with each beat, so blood pressure decreases.
Examples of these drugs include:
acebutolol (Sectral)
atenolol (Tenormin)
betaxolol (Kerlone)
bisoprolol (Zebeta)
bisoprolol/hydrochlorothiazide (Ziac)
metoprolol tartrate (Lopressor)
metoprolol succinate (Toprol-XL)
nadolol (Corgard)
pindolol (Visken)
propranolol (Inderal)
solotol (Betapace)
timolol (Blocadren)
Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors
ACE inhibitors keep the body from making a hormone called angiotensin II, which causes blood vessels to narrow. These medications lower blood pressure by helping constricted blood vessels expand to let more blood through.
Examples of ACE inhibitors include:
benazepril (Lotensin)
captopril (Capoten)
enalapril (Vasotec)
fosinopril (Monopril)
lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril)
moexipril (Univasc)
perindopril (Aceon)
quinapril (Accupril).
ramipril (Altace)
trandolapril (Mavik)
On April 22, 2022, Pfizer issued a voluntary recallTrusted Source of 5 lots of the drug Accupril due to the presence of nitrosamine. Nitrosamine, a known carcinogen with the potential to cause cancer, was found to exist in the drug at levels greater than the Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) as determined by the FDA. This recall is specific only to a handful of lot numbers and does not affect all Accupril tablets made by Pfizer. If you take Accupril tablets, talk with your pharmacist or doctor and they will help you determine if your medication has been impacted by the recall.
Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs)
This class of drugs also protects the blood vessels from angiotensin II. In order to tighten blood vessels, angiotensin II must bind with a receptor site. ARBs prevent that from happening. As a result, blood pressure is lowered.
Examples of ARBs include:
candesartan (Atacand)
eprosartan (Teveten)
irbesartan (Avapro)
losartan (Cozaar)
telmisartan (Micardis)
valsartan (Diovan)
ADVERTISEMENT
Calcium channel blockers
To move, all muscles need calcium to flow in and out of the muscle cells. Calcium channel blockers help block calcium from entering the smooth muscle cells of the heart and blood vessels.
This makes the heart beat with less force and helps blood vessels relax. As a result, blood pressure decreases.
Examples of these drugs include:
amlodipine (Norvasc, Lotrel)
diltiazem (Cardizem CD, Cardizem SR, Dilacor XR, Tiazac)
felodipine (Plendil)
isradipine (DynaCirc, DynaCirc CR)
nicardipine (Cardene SR)
nifedipine (Adalat CC, Procardia XL)
nisoldipine (Sular)
verapamil (Calan SR, Covera HS, Isoptin SR, Verelan)
Alpha-blockers
In certain situations, your body makes hormones called catecholamines. These hormones can bind to parts of cells called alpha-receptors. When this occurs, your blood vessels narrow and your heart beats faster and with more force. These actions cause your blood pressure to rise.
Alpha-blockers work by blocking catecholamines from binding to alpha-receptors. As a result, blood can flow through the blood vessels more freely, and your heart beats normally. This helps lower your blood pressure.
Examples of alpha-blockers include:
doxazosin (Cardura)
prazosin (Minipress)
terazosin (Hytrin)
ADVERTISING
Alpha-beta-blockers
Alpha-beta-blockers have a combined effect. They block the binding of catecholamine hormones to both alpha- and beta-receptors. Therefore, they can decrease the constriction of blood vessels like alpha-blockers do. They also slow down the rate and force of the heartbeat like beta-blockers do.
Examples of alpha-beta-blockers include:
carvedilol (Coreg)
labetalol (Normodyne, Trandate)
Central agonists
These medications keep the brain from sending messages to the nervous system telling it to release catecholamines. As a result, the heart doesn’t pump as hard and blood flows more easily, lowering blood pressure.
Examples of central agonists include:
methyldopa (Aldomet)
clonidine (Catapres)
guanfacine (Tenex)
Vasodilators
Vasodilators relax the muscles in the walls of blood vessels, especially in small arteries called arterioles. This widens the blood vessels and allows blood to flow through them more easily. As a result, blood pressure falls.
Examples of vasodilators include:
hydralazine (Apresoline)
minoxidil (Loniten)
Aldosterone receptor antagonists
Aldosterone receptor antagonists work by blocking a chemical called aldosterone. This action reduces the amount of fluids your body retains, which helps lower your blood pressure.
Examples of aldosterone receptor antagonists include:
eplerenone (Inspra)
spironolactone (Aldactone)
Direct renin inhibitors
A newer type of blood pressure medication is called direct renin inhibitors (DRIs). These drugs block a chemical in your body called renin. This action helps widen your blood vessels, which lowers your blood pressure.
The only type of DRI that is currently available in the United States is:
aliskiren (Tekturna)
High blood pressure drug treatment plans
For most people, the first-choice medication for high blood pressure is a thiazide diuretic. For other people, a diuretic alone is not enough to control blood pressure. In these cases, a diuretic may be combined with a beta-blocker, ACE inhibitor, angiotensin II receptor blocker, or calcium channel blocker. Adding a second medication may lower your blood pressure more quickly than using a diuretic alone. Also, it allows you to take less of each medication, which may reduce side effects.
Combination drugs
If your doctor thinks you need more than one drug to manage your blood pressure, they may prescribe a combination medication. For instance, they may prescribe a beta-blocker with a diuretic, or an ARB with a calcium channel blocker.
Using these combination medications may be more convenient than taking several different drugs each day.
Many combination medications to treat high blood pressure are available. Examples include:
triamterene/hydrochlorothiazide (Dyazide) — triamterene and hydrochlorothiazide are both diuretics
valsartan/hydrochlorothiazide (Diovan HCT) — valsartan is an ARB and hydrochlorothiazide is a diuretic
Treating for multiple conditions
The type of blood pressure medication your doctor prescribes may depend on what other health problems you have. For example, if you have coronary artery disease (CAD) and high blood pressure, your doctor may prescribe a beta-blocker. If you have had a myocardial infarction due to CAD, a beta-blocker can lower your blood pressure and decrease your overall risk of death.
If you have diabetes, your doctor may choose an ACE inhibitor or an ARB. That’s because these drugs can help protect the kidneys from diabetic damage by lowering the blood pressure in your kidneys.
Talk with your doctor
High blood pressure is a serious condition that requires treatment to prevent more severe health problems.
Don’t worry if you’re confused by all of your medication options. Your doctor can tell you which drugs might work best for you. Together, you can put together a treatment plan to get your blood pressure under control.
Some questions to ask your doctor include:
Do I need medication to control my blood pressure?
Am I at high risk of certain side effects from blood pressure medication?
Am I taking any other drugs that might interact with my blood pressure medication?
Would a combination blood pressure medication be a good option for me?
Do you recommend improved diet and exercise as a way to lower my blood pressure?
If you need help finding a primary care doctor, then check out our FindCare tool here.
Q&A
Q:
Can exercise help lower my high blood pressure?
Anonymous patient
A:
Yes, exercise is an excellent way to help lower your blood pressure. Of course, before you start any exercise program, be sure to talk to your doctor. With your doctor’s guidance, exercise can be a healthy way to help get your blood pressure under control. Exercise strengthens your heart and makes it work more efficiently. This means it won’t have to pump as hard, which leads to lower blood pressure. Other ways to help lower your blood pressure include following a healthy diet, eating less salt, and losing some extra weight. In some cases, people taking these steps have been able to lower their blood pressure enough that their doctor allowed them to stop taking their blood pressure medication. Talk to your doctor about putting together a plan of lifestyle changes to help you manage your blood pressure. In the meantime, check out these other tips to help lower your blood pressure.
Alan Carter, Pharm.D.
Answers represent the opinions of our medical experts. All content is strictly informational and should not be considered medical advice.
Read this article in Spanish.
Last medically reviewed on February 27, 2019
How we reviewed this article:
SOURCES
HISTORY
Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available.
Current Version
Apr 7, 2020
Written By
The Healthline Editorial Team
Edited By
Frank Crooks
Feb 27, 2019
Medically Reviewed By
Alan Carter, PharmD
Share this article
High Blood Pressure Treatment
Medically reviewed by Alana Biggers, M.D., MPH — By The Healthline Editorial Team — Updated on Apr 7, 2020
High blood pressure
Lifestyle changes
Medications
Treatment plans
Takeaway
What is high blood pressure?
A normal blood pressure reading is less than 120/80 mm Hg. When you have high blood pressure, also known as hypertension, your reading is consistently in a higher range.
High blood pressure treatment typically involves a combination of medication and lifestyle changes to help you manage the condition and prevent or delay related health problems. The goal is to get your blood pressure below the high range.
If normal is less than 120/80 mm Hg, what’s high? When the systolic blood pressure — the top number — is between 120 and 129, and the diastolic blood pressure — the bottom number — is less than 80, this is considered elevated blood pressure.
Elevated blood pressure doesn’t necessarily raise your risk for heart attack or stroke. But without attention, it will often progress to high blood pressure — which definitely does raise your risk. Hypertension (or high blood pressure) is present once the systolic pressure is 130 or higher, or the diastolic pressure is 80 or higher.
Lifestyle changes
A healthy lifestyle is the first line of defense against high blood pressure. Habits that help control blood pressure include:
eating a healthy diet
staying physically active
maintaining a healthy weight
avoiding excessive alcohol consumption
quitting smoking and avoiding secondhand smoke
managing stress
eating less salt
limiting caffeine
monitoring blood pressure at home
getting support from family and friends
High blood pressure drugs
Some people find that lifestyle changes alone are enough to control their high blood pressure. But many also take medication to treat their condition. There are many different types of blood pressure medications with different modes of action.
If one drug doesn’t lower your blood pressure enough, another might do the job. For some people, a combination of two or more drugs may be needed to keep their blood pressure under control.
Hypertension medications can be divided into the categories listed below, based on how they work. The drugs in each section are just a sampling of what’s available.
Diuretics
Diuretics, sometimes called water pills, help the kidneys get rid of excess water and salt (sodium). This reduces the volume of blood that needs to pass through the blood vessels. As a result, blood pressure goes down.
There are three major types of diuretics defined by how they work. They include:
thiazide diuretics (chlorthalidone, Microzide, Diuril)
potassium-sparing diuretics (amiloride, Aldactone, Dyrenium)
loop diuretics (bumetanide, furosemide)
combination diuretics, which include more than one variety used together
Diuretics in the thiazide group generally have fewer side effects than the others, particularly when taken at the low doses commonly used in treating early high blood pressure.
Beta-blockers
Beta-blockers help the heart to beat with less speed and force. The heart pumps less blood through the blood vessels with each beat, so blood pressure decreases. There are many drugs within this classification, including:
atenolol (Tenorim)
propranolol (Inderal)
metoprolol tartrate (Lopressor)
metoprolol succinate (Toprol-XL)
carvedilol (Coreg)
Alpha-beta-blockers
Alpha-beta-blockers have a combined effect. They’re a subclass of beta-blockers that block the binding of catecholamine hormones to both alpha and beta receptors. They can decrease the constriction of blood vessels like alpha-1 blockers, and slow down the rate and force of the heartbeat like beta-blockers.
Carvedilol (Coreg) and labetalol hydrochloride (Normodyne) are common alpha-beta-blockers.
Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors
ACE inhibitors help the body produce less of a hormone called angiotensin II, which causes blood vessels to narrow. These medications decrease blood pressure by helping blood vessels expand and let more blood through.
Some ACE inhibitors include:
benazepril hydrochloride (Lotensin)
captopril (Capoten)
enalapril maleate (Vasotec)
fosinopril sodium (Monopril)
lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril)
Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs)
ARBs block the action of angiotensin II directly on the blood vessels. It attaches at the receptor site on the blood vessels and keeps them from narrowing. This causes blood pressure to fall.
ARBs include:
candesartan (Atacand)
eprosartan mesylate (Teveten)
irbesartan (Avapro)
losartan potassium (Cozaar)
telmisartan (Micardis)
valsartan (Diovan)
Calcium channel blockers
Movement of calcium into and out of muscle cells is necessary for all muscle contractions. Calcium channel blockers limit calcium from entering the smooth muscle cells of the heart and blood vessels. This makes the heart beat less forcefully with each beat and helps blood vessels relax. As a result, blood pressure decreases.
Examples of these medications include:
amlodipine besylate (Norvasc, Lotrel)
felodipine (Plendil)
diltiazem (Cardizem)
isradipine (DynaCirc, DynaCirc CR)
verapamil hydrochloride (Calan SR, Covera-HS, Isoptin SR, Verelan)
Alpha-1 blockers
Your body produces types of hormones called catecholamines when under stress, or chronically in some disease states. Catecholamines, such as norepinephrine and epinephrine, cause the heart to beat faster and with more force. They also constrict blood vessels. These effects raise blood pressure when the hormones attach to a receptor.
The muscles around some blood vessels have what are known as alpha-1 or alpha adrenergic receptors. When a catecholamine binds to an alpha-1 receptor, the muscle contracts, the blood vessel narrows, and blood pressure rises.
Alpha-1 blockers bind to alpha-1 receptors, blocking catecholamines from attaching. This keeps them from narrowing blood vessels so blood is able to flow through the blood vessels more freely, and blood pressure falls.
Alpha-1 blockers are primarily used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in men, but are also used to treat high blood pressure.
These drugs include:
doxazosin mesylate (Cardura)
prazosin hydrochloride (Minipress)
terazosin hydrochloride (Hytrin)
Alpha-2 receptor agonists (central agonists)
Alpha-2 receptors are different from alpha-1 receptors. When an alpha-2 receptor is activated, the production of norepinephrine is blocked. This decreases the amount of norepinephrine produced. Less norepinephrine means less constriction of blood vessels and a lower blood pressure.
Methyldopa (Aldomet) is an example of this type of drug. It’s a common choice for high blood pressure treatment during pregnancy because it generally poses few risks to the mother and fetus.
Other examples include:
clonidine hydrochloride (Catapres)
guanabenz acetate (Wytensin)
guanfacine hydrochloride (Tenex)
Since alpha-2 receptor agonists can work in the brain and central nervous system, they’re also known as “central agonists.” This makes these medications useful for treating a large range of medical conditions beyond high blood pressure.
Vasodilators
Vasodilators relax the muscles in the walls of blood vessels, especially small arteries (arterioles). This widens the blood vessels and allows blood to flow through them more easily. Blood pressure falls as a result.
Hydralazine hydrochloride (Apresoline) and minoxidil (Loniten) are examples of these.
Treatment plans
Treatment for high blood pressure includes ongoing care, as well as individual treatments tailored for specific situations and younger age groups, including children and teens.
Ongoing medical care
To make the most of your treatment, it’s vital to get regular medical checkups and blood pressure tests. Regular checkups allow your doctor to monitor how well your treatment is going and make any necessary adjustments to your treatment plan.
If your blood pressure starts inching back up, your doctor can respond promptly. Doctor’s visits also give you an opportunity to ask questions and bring up any concerns.
Treatment for specific situations
Additional treatment options may be needed in certain situations like resistant hypertension or secondary hypertension.
Resistant hypertension refers to blood pressure that remains high after trying at least three different types of blood pressure medication. Someone whose high blood pressure is controlled by taking four different kinds of medication is considered to have resistant hypertension.
Even such hard-to-treat cases can often be managed successfully in time. Your doctor might prescribe a different medication, dose, drug combination, or more aggressive lifestyle changes.
Getting a referral to a heart or kidney specialist may also be useful in treating resistant hypertension.
Secondary hypertension is high blood pressure that’s directly caused by another health condition or drug side effect. Blood pressure often drops substantially or even goes back to normal once doctors diagnose and treat the root cause.
Treatment options for children and teens
The first line of treatment for children and teens with high blood pressure is a healthy lifestyle. This includes:
a balanced diet
regular exercise
weight loss for those who are overweight or obese
Children may take the same blood pressure medications as adults when necessary. For children with secondary hypertension, blood pressure often returns to normal once the underlying condition is treated.
ADVERTISEMENT
Takeaway
High blood pressure treatment usually involves a combination of lifestyle changes and medication. Sometimes, lifestyle changes are enough to return your blood pressure to normal levels. These changes may include diet, exercise, and weight loss.
If your high blood pressure continues, be sure to consult a doctor who can prescribe the appropriate medication.
Last medically reviewed on February 27, 2019
How we reviewed this article:
SOURCES
HISTORY
Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available.
Current Version
Apr 7, 2020
Written By
The Healthline Editorial Team
Edited By
Frank Crooks
Feb 27, 2019
Medically Reviewed By
Alana Biggers, MD, MPH
Share this article
About Isolated Systolic Hypertension (High Systolic Blood Pressure)
Medically reviewed by Meredith Goodwin, MD, FAAFP — By Jill Seladi-Schulman, Ph.D. and Jennifer Larson — Updated on Mar 10, 2023
Definition
Systolic vs. diastolic
Symptoms
Causes
Complications
Risk factors
Treatments
Prevention
When to get care
Bottom line
A high top number on your blood pressure reading is called isolated systolic hypertension. It can happen from aging or several medical conditions and still needs treatment even if your low number is normal.
When your doctor takes your blood pressure, they’re measuring the pressure of your blood as it pushes against your artery walls. This measurement generates two numbers — systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure.
For instance, with a blood pressure reading of 120/80 mm Hg, the first number is your systolic blood pressure reading, and the second number is your diastolic blood pressure reading.
When both of these numbers are higher than normal, you have high blood pressure (hypertension), which can put you at risk of serious health conditions.
But what if your systolic blood pressure is high and your diastolic blood pressure is normal?
This is a condition referred to as isolated systolic hypertension (ISH), which we’ll look at in more detail in this article.
What is isolated systolic hypertension (ISH)?
ISH is when you have a systolic blood pressure reading of 140 mm Hg or higher, and a diastolic blood pressure reading of less than 80 mm Hg.
Even though only one of the two numbers is elevated, ISH is still considered a type of high blood pressure. In fact, ISH is the most commonTrusted Source type of high blood pressure in people older than 65.
Like other types of high blood pressure, isolated systolic hypertension can raise your risk of:
heart attack
stroke
kidney disease
heart failure
other health conditions
Additionally, a 2015 study found that ISH can increase the risk of heart disease and death in young adults.
ISH can also be a warning sign of other conditions such as anemia or hyperthyroidism.
Systolic vs. diastolic blood pressure
A blood pressure reading consists of two numbers — your systolic blood pressure and your diastolic blood pressure. But what do these numbers actually mean?
The first number is your systolic blood pressure. It’s a measurement of the amount of pressure placed on the walls of your arteries when your heart beats.
The second number is your diastolic blood pressure. It’s a measurement of the pressure on the walls of your arteries between heartbeats.
Understanding blood pressure readings
Blood pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury (mm Hg).
There are several different blood pressure categories, which are currently definedTrusted Source as the following:
Normal Systolic less than 120 mm Hg AND diastolic less than 80 mm Hg
Elevated Systolic between 120–129 mm Hg AND diastolic less than 80 mm Hg
Hypertension Stage 1 Systolic between 130–139 mm Hg OR diastolic between 80–89 mm Hg
Hypertension Stage 2 Systolic of 140 mm Hg or higher OR diastolic of 90 mm Hg or higher
Hypertensive crisis (a medical emergency) Systolic of higher than 180 mm Hg AND/OR diastolic higher than 120 mm Hg
How do you know if you have isolated systolic hypertension?
One of the biggest challenges with high blood pressure is that it typically has no symptoms or warning signs. The only way to know whether your blood pressure is too high is to get it measured.
There are several optionsTrusted Source when it comes to getting your blood pressure checked. You can get it measured:
at your doctor’s office or during a health checkup
at a pharmacy with a digital blood pressure measuring device
at home with a home blood pressure monitor
What are the causes of isolated systolic hypertension?
Blood pressure involves how much blood your heart pumps every minute, as well as the pressure exerted on the walls of your arteries by that blood.
As you age, your arteries lose some of their natural elasticity and are less able to accommodate the rush of blood. Plaque, which is fatty deposits on the artery wall, can also contribute to the stiffening of the arteries.
Blood pressure — particularly systolic blood pressure — naturally tends to increase with age. Because of this, there may be no identifiable cause of high blood pressure.
However, there are some medical conditions that can cause you to develop ISH. These conditions can affect your circulatory system, which can damage your blood vessels or contribute to artery stiffening.
Some of these conditions include:
Anemia. With anemia, you don’t have enough red blood cells to carry oxygen to the tissues in your body. Damage can be caused to your blood vessels as your heart works harder to pump blood to the tissues of your body in order to deliver enough oxygen.
Diabetes. If either type 1 diabetes or type 2 diabetes isn‘t well managed, high glucose levels in your blood can cause a variety of health problems, including conditions that affect your heart and circulatory system.
Hyperthyroidism. Hyperthyroidism, or an overactive thyroid, occurs when your thyroid gland produces more thyroid hormones than necessary. Having high levels of thyroid hormone can affect almost every organ in your body, including your heart and circulatory system.
Obstructive sleep apnea. With obstructive sleep apnea, the muscles in your throat relax too much and block your airway while you’re sleeping, causing your breathing to stop and start again. This can strain your cardiovascular system and lead to increases in blood pressure.
ADVERTISEMENT
Complications of isolated systolic hypertension
When high blood pressure isn‘t managed, it can cause damage to your arteries. This can affect many parts of your body and increase your risk of:
Heart attack. Elevated blood pressure can damage your coronary arteries, which increases the risk of a blockage in one of your heart’s arteries.
Stroke. Untreated high blood pressure can damage or weaken the arteries in your brain, which increases the risk of an ischemic stroke, hemorrhagic stroke, and transient ischemic attack (TIA).
Heart failure. Elevated blood pressure can weaken the muscles of your heart, causing them to become too weak to pump blood efficiently to the rest of your body.
Aneurysm. High blood pressure can weaken part of an artery, causing it to bulge out and possibly rupture.
Kidney disease. The blood vessels in your kidneys can become damaged by untreated high blood pressure, resulting in your kidneys being unable to effectively filter toxins out of your blood.
Vision loss. Damage to the blood vessels in your eyes can lead to bleeding in the retina and loss of sight.
Dementia. Dementia or vascular dementia can occur when oxygen-rich blood flow to your brain is reduced.
Who is at risk of isolated systolic hypertension?
AgingTrusted Source is perhaps the biggest risk factor associated with isolated systolic hypertension.
Other risk factors include:
certain medical conditions, such as hyperthyroidism, diabetes, and arterial stiffness
obesity or a high body mass index (BMI)
high salt intake, which can increase blood pressure
smoking, which can stiffen the arteries
heavy alcohol use
Treatment for isolated systolic hypertension
ISH can be treated like other forms of hypertension. The goal is to reduce your systolic blood pressure to below 140 mm Hg. This can be accomplished by lifestyle changes, medication, or both.
It’s important that treatment is balanced to reach a lower systolic blood pressure, but not reduce diastolic blood pressure too much. Lower-than-normal diastolic blood pressure may lead to heart damage.
If there’s an underlying condition that’s causing or contributing to ISH, your doctor will work to treat that as well.
Medications
A 2016 review of studies in older adults with ISH has found that the following medications had the greatest efficacy in reducing the risk of stroke and other cardiovascular events:
Calcium channel blockers. Calcium channel blockers help the artery walls relax by blocking the pathway that causes blood vessel constriction.
Thiazide-like diuretics. Thiazide-like diuretics reduce blood volume by helping your kidneys get rid of more sodium and water.
The following drugs were found to have less efficacy, however, they may still be effective in treating ISH:
Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. (ACE) inhibitors block the formation of a specific enzyme that leads to the narrowing of blood vessels.
Angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs). ARBs block the action of a specific enzyme that can lead to blood vessel narrowing.
Lifestyle changes
You may also need to make some lifestyle changes as part of your ISH treatment plan. These changes may include:
Losing weight, if applicable. Losing weight can play a key role in helping to lower your blood pressure.
Eating a heart-healthy diet. Your diet is thought to play a major role in the development of high blood pressure. Consider the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet, which is designed to prevent or treat high blood pressure. It emphasizes eating:
vegetables
whole grains
low fat dairy products
fruits
lean proteins
nuts, seeds, and legumes
Cutting back on salt. A high sodium intake is associatedTrusted Source with high blood pressure. This is why reducing your salt consumption can take some strain off your blood vessels and heart. Aim for less than 2,300 milligramsTrusted Source of sodium per day, according to the 2020–2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans.
Exercising. Not only can exercise help you lower your blood pressure, but it can also help you manage your weight and stress levels. Aim to perform some sort of aerobic exercise for at least 30 minutes most days of the week.
Decreasing alcohol consumption. Try to limit your alcohol intake to one standard drink per day for women and two standard drinks per day for men.
Quitting smoking if you smoke. Smoking can raise your blood pressure and also increase your risk of a heart attack, stroke, and other serious health conditions.
Managing stress. Stress can raise your blood pressure, so finding ways to relieve it are important. Consider stress management techniques such as physical activity, meditation, deep breathing exercises, yoga, or spending time in nature.
What can you do to prevent high blood pressure?
You can help lower your risk of high blood pressure by practicing the lifestyle changes mentioned above.
Additionally, consider working with your doctor to carefully manage any preexisting health conditions that can contribute to high blood pressure, such as diabetes or hyperthyroidism.
You can also monitor your blood pressure at home if you’d like to keep a closer eye on changes in your blood pressure outside of your routine checkups.
When to see a doctor
The symptoms of high blood pressure are typically silent. Many people may not find out they have high blood pressure until they visit their doctor for a routine physical. If you don’t already have a primary care doctor, the Healthline FindCare tool can help you find a physician in your area.
You can also use a home blood pressure monitor to measure your blood pressure at home. You may want to consider monitoring your blood pressure if you:
have overweight or obesity
smoke
are pregnant
have a family history of high blood pressure
have been told by your doctor to check your blood pressure regularly
It’s important to keep a log of your readings. Keep in mind, though, that home blood pressure monitoring isn’t a substitute for a doctor’s visit. If you find that your readings are consistently high, contact your doctor to discuss them.
The bottom line
Isolated systolic hypertension is when your systolic blood pressure is high, but your diastolic blood pressure is normal. It can occur naturally with age or can be caused by specific health conditions, including anemia, diabetes, and hyperthyroidism.
ISH should still be treated even though your diastolic pressure is normal. This is because untreated high blood pressure, including ISH, can lead to health complications like a heart attack or stroke.
Be sure to have regular physical checkups with your doctor, during which your blood pressure is taken. If you have high blood pressure, your doctor will work with you to develop a plan that’s best for you.
Last medically reviewed on March 2, 2022
How we reviewed this article:
SOURCES
HISTORY
Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available.
Current Version
Mar 10, 2023
Written By
Jill Seladi-Schulman, PhD, Jennifer Larson
Edited By
Claire Brocato
Copy Edited By
Alyssa Schad
Mar 2, 2022
Medically Reviewed By
Meredith Goodwin M.D., FAAFP
VIEW ALL HISTORY
Share this article
10 Herbs That May Help Lower High Blood Pressure
Medically reviewed by Judith Marcin, M.D. — By The Healthline Editorial Team — Updated on May 29, 2020
Basil
Cinnamon
Cardamom
Flax seed
Garlic
Ginger
Hawthorn
Celery seed
French lavender
Cat’s claw
Understanding high blood pressure
Takeaway
Interactions
We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission Here’s our process.
How we vet brands and products
Overview
Many adults around the world deal with hypertension, also called high blood pressure. Due to the recent changes in guidelines, nearly half of American adults will now be characterized as having high blood pressure. Experts recommend treating the condition with lifestyle changes and medications.
If you’re thinking of trying herbs for medical reasons, whether it’s the whole herb or a supplement, speak to your doctor first. Currently, there are no herbs regularly recommended by high blood pressure specialists. Some herbs, especially in large quantities, may produce undesirable side effects or interfere with other medications.
Read on to learn more about herbs and the research surrounding them.
1. Basil
Basil is a delicious herb that goes well in a variety of foods. It also might help lower your blood pressure. In rodents, basil extract has been shown to lower blood pressure, although only briefly. The chemical eugenol, which is found in basil, may block certain substances that tighten blood vessels. This may lead to a drop in blood pressure. More studies are needed.
Adding fresh basil to your diet is easy and certainly can’t hurt. Keep a small pot of the herb in your kitchen garden and add the fresh leaves to pastas, soups, salads, and casseroles.
2. Cinnamon
Cinnamon is another tasty seasoning that requires little effort to include in your daily diet, and it may bring your blood pressure numbers down. One study done in rodents suggested that cinnamon extract lowered both sudden-onset and prolonged high blood pressure. However, the extract was given intravenously. It’s unclear if cinnamon consumed orally is also effective.
You can include more cinnamon in your diet by sprinkling it on your breakfast cereal, oatmeal, and even in your coffee. At dinner, cinnamon enhances the flavor of stir-fries, curries, and stews.
Shop for cinnamon.
3. Cardamom
Cardamom is a seasoning that comes from India and is often used in South Asian cuisine. A small studyTrusted Source of 20 people investigating the health effects of cardamom found that participants with high blood pressure saw significant reductions in their blood pressure readings after taking 1.5 grams of cardamom powder twice a day for 12 weeks. You can include cardamom seeds or powder in spice rubs, soups and stews, and even baked goods for a special flavor and a possible positive health benefit.
Shop for cardamom.
4. Flax seed
Flax seed is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, and has been shown in some studies to lower blood pressure. A recent review suggested taking 30–50 grams of whole or ground seeds per day for more than 12 weeks to get the best benefits. Flax seed may protect against atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease by reducing serum cholesterol, improving glucose tolerance, and acting as an antioxidant.
You can buy many products that contain flax seed, but a better bet is to buy whole or ground flax seed and add it to your home-cooked meals. The best part about flax seed is that it can be stirred into virtually any dish, from soups to smoothies to baked goods. Storing flax seed in your freezer may help it retain optimum potency.
Shop for flax seed.
ADVERTISEMENT
5. Garlic
This pungent seasoning can do more than just flavor your food and ruin your breath. Garlic may have the ability to lower your blood pressure by helping to increase a substance in the body known as nitric oxide, which can cause your blood vessels to relax and dilate. This lets blood flow more freely and reduces blood pressure.
You can add fresh garlic to a number of your favorite recipes. If the flavor is just too strong for you, roast the garlic first. And if you simply can’t eat the stuff, you can get garlic in supplement form.
6. Ginger
Ginger may help control blood pressure. In animal studies it has been shown to improve blood circulation and relax the muscles surrounding blood vessels, lowering blood pressure. Human studies so far have been inconclusive. Commonly used in Asian foods, ginger is a versatile ingredient that can also be added to sweets or beverages. Chop, mince, or grate fresh ginger into stir-fries, soups, and noodle or vegetable dishes, or add it to desserts or tea for a refreshing taste.
7. Hawthorn
Hawthorn is an herbal remedy for high blood pressure that has been used in traditional Chinese medicines for thousands of years. In rodents, extracts of hawthorn seem to have a whole host of benefits on cardiovascular health, including helping reduce blood pressure, preventing hardening of the arteries, and lowering cholesterol. You can take hawthorn as a pill, liquid extract, or tea.
Shop for hawthorn.
8. Celery seed
Celery seed is an herb used to flavor soups, stews, casseroles, and other savory dishes. Celery has long been used to treat hypertension in China, and studiesTrusted Source in rodents have shown that it may be effective. You can use the seeds, or you can juice the whole plant. Celery may also be a diuretic, which may help explain its effect on blood pressure. ResearchersTrusted Source believe that a variety of substances in celery may play a role in lowering blood pressure. However, human studies are needed.
Shop for celery seed.
9. French lavender
The beautiful, perfume-like scent of lavender is not the only useful aspect of the plant. Lavender extracts have been shown to lower heart rate and blood pressure in rodents. Although not many people think to use lavender as a culinary herb, you can use the flowers in baked goods. The leaves can be used in the same way you would use rosemary.
Shop for lavender flowers.
10. Cat’s claw
Cat’s claw is an herbal medicine used in traditional Chinese practice to treat hypertension as well as neurological health problems. StudiesTrusted Source of cat’s claw as a treatment for hypertension in rodents indicate that it may be helpful in reducing blood pressure by acting on calcium channels in your cells. You can get cat’s claw in supplement form from many health food stores.
Shop for cat’s claw.
Understanding high blood pressure
According to the American Heart Association, nearly half of American adults now have blood pressure levels that would be described as high.
A number of factors contribute to elevated blood pressure, such as:
genetics
stress
diet
smoking
lack of exercise
Because it’s largely symptomless, hypertension is known as the “silent killer.” This is why it’s so important to have your blood pressure checked regularly. Having high blood pressure increases your risk of several health problems, such as:
heart attack
stroke
diabetes
heart failure
kidney disease
vision loss
metabolic syndrome
Takeaway
Due to its lack of symptoms, high blood pressure can inflict damage before you’re even aware you have it, so don’t neglect regular blood pressure screenings. Sometimes treating this condition involves medication. Talk to your doctor about the best treatment options for you, which may include medication, lifestyle changes, or alternative treatments. It’s important to discuss any herbs or supplements with your doctor before taking them. Additionally, don’t stop taking any prescribed medications without speaking with your healthcare provider.
It’s important to remember that there’s not enough evidence to recommend taking herbal supplements instead of prescription medications to treat high blood pressure. Very few studies with plants and herbs have been done in humans. Research has not been able to establish side effects, doses, or long-term effects of these supplements.
Q&A: Drug interactions
Q:
Can any herbs that potentially lower blood pressure negatively react with blood pressure medications?
Anonymous patient
A:
Since there’s such a large variety of herbal remedies and so many different medications for blood pressure that are commonly prescribed today, this isn’t a simple question. However, there certainly exists the potential for negative herb-drug interactions and complications. My best advice is to discuss your specific herbal medications with your prescribing doctor, so that they will be aware of, and monitor closely for, any potential interactions.
Dr. Steve Kim
Answers represent the opinions of our medical experts. All content is strictly informational and should not be considered medical advice.
Last medically reviewed on January 30, 2018
How we reviewed this article:
SOURCES
Share this article
Calcium Channel Blockers
Medically reviewed by Jennie Olopaade, PharmD, RPH — By Erica Roth and Rachael Beairsto — Updated on Nov 23, 2021
Who should use them
Side effects
How they work
Types
Examples
Interactions
Outlook
Calcium channel blockers (CCBs) are a class of medications used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). They work by blocking some of the calcium that enters the heart and arteries.
You may have heard of calcium as a key nutrient for your bones, but it also plays a very important role in heart function. Calcium moves into the cells of your heart every time it beats, allowing a strong and even squeeze of the muscles to happen.
If you have high blood pressure, the force of blood flowing through your arteries is higher than normal. Taking CCBs works by reducing the flow of calcium into your heart and arteries, which helps to:
lower blood pressure
open narrow blood vessels
reduce heart rate
CCBs are also sometimes called calcium antagonists. They’re as effective as ACE inhibitors in reducing blood pressure.
CCBs are available in many forms that you take by mouth, ranging from short-acting dissolving tablets to extended-release capsules. The dosage will depend on your overall health and medical history.
Who should use them
Your doctor may prescribe CCBs if you have:
high blood pressure
irregular heartbeats called arrhythmias
chest pain related to angina
Other forms of medication can also treat high blood pressure. Your doctor may prescribe both a CCB and another hypertensive drug at the same time.
The 2017 guidelines from the American College of Cardiology recommend the following medications be considered first when treating high blood pressure:
ACE inhibitors
diuretics
angiotensin-receptor blockers (ARBs)
CCBs
Certain groups of people may especially benefit from CCBs in combination with other medications, including:
older adults
Black people
people with kidney disease or diabetes
Side effects
Side effects of CCBs include:
dizziness
headache
constipation
heartburn
nausea
a skin rash or flushing, which is redness of the face
swelling in the lower extremities
fatigue
Certain CCBs can also lower blood glucose levels in some people.
Tell your doctor about any side effects you’re experiencing. They may adjust your dosage or recommend that you switch to another medication if the side effects don’t go away, are uncomfortable, or pose a threat to your health.
Your doctor will take your age into consideration before prescribing a blood pressure-lowering medication. CCBs are often less likely to cause side effects in people over the age of 65.
How they work
CCBs reduce blood pressure by limiting the amount of calcium that flows into heart muscle and arterial cell walls.
Calcium particles help create the electrical signal that makes the heart contract, or beat. With less calcium flowing into the muscles and arteries, your heart’s contractions aren’t as strong with each beat, and your blood vessels are able to relax. This leads to lower blood pressure.
Types of CCBs
The three main subclasses of CCB drugs are based on their chemical structure and activity:
Dihydropyridines work mostly on the arteries.
Benzothiazepines work on the heart muscle and arteries.
Phenylalkylamines work mostly on the heart muscle.
ADVERTISEMENT
Examples of CCBs
Dihydropyridines
Because of the way they work in the body, dihydropyridines are more commonly used to treat hypertension than other subclasses of CCBs. This is due to their ability to reduce arterial pressure and vascular resistance.
Dihydropyridine calcium antagonists usually end in the suffix “-pine” and include:
amlodipine (Norvasc)
felodipine (Plendil)
isradipine
nicardipine (Cardene)
nifedipine (Adalat CC)
nimodipine (Nymalize)
nitrendipine
Nondihydropyridines
Benzothiazepines and phenylalkylamines fall under a grouping of CCBs called nondihydropyridines. These drugs lower blood pressure but also have other effects on the heart. They’re generally used to treat angina (chest pain) and arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat).
Verapamil (Verelan) is one commonly prescribed phenylalkylamine.
Diltiazem (Cardizem CD) is one example of a benzothiazepine.
Natural calcium channel blockers
Magnesium is an example of a nutrient that acts as a natural CCB.
Research has shown that higher levels of magnesium block the movement of calcium in the body.
In animal studies, magnesium supplementation seemed to be most effective in treating young animals with elevated blood pressure, before they developed hypertension. It also seemed to slow the progression to hypertension.
Magnesium-rich foods includeTrusted Source:
brown rice
almonds
peanuts
cashews
oat bran
shredded wheat cereal
soy
black beans
bananas
spinach
avocado
Ask your doctor whether eating foods high in magnesium will change the effects of the CCBs you’re taking.
Interactions with CCBs
Medications
CCBs may interact with other drugs you take, making them less effective or increasing the likelihood of side effects. These include:
treatments for heart conditions, including ACE inhibitors, statins, and antiarrhythmic drugs
antiretroviral therapies
antiseizure drugs
corticosteroids
cyclosporine
digitalis
diuretics
Taking
