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ACE
(Angiotensin Converting Enzyme) Inhibitors–
prevent the production of a hormone called
angiotensin II that normally makes blood
vessels narrow and causes the vessels to
relax; thus, blood pressure goes down. It
may be prescribed after a heart attack to
help the heart pump blood better. It is
also used in patients with heart failure,
a condition in which the heart is unable
to pump enough blood to supply the body's
need.1
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Alpha-Blockers–
reduce nerve impulses to blood vessels,
which allows blood to pass more easily,
causing the blood pressure to go down.2
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Alpha-Beta-Blockers–
work the same way as alpha-blockers, but
also slow the heartbeat as beta-blockers
do. As a result, less blood is pumped through
the vessels and the blood pressure goes
down.2
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Angiotensin
Antagonists– shield blood vessels from
angiotensin II. As a result, the vessels
become wider and blood pressure goes down.2
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Beta-Blockers–
slow the heart by reducing nerve impulses
and make it beat with less contracting force
so blood pressure drops and the heart works
less hard. It is used for high blood pressure,
chest pain and to prevent a repeat heart
attack.1
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Calcium
Channel Blockers– keep calcium from
entering the muscle cells of the heart and
blood vessels, causing the blood vessels
to relax; therefore, blood pressure is lowered.2
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Diuretics–
sometimes referred to as "water pills".
They work in the kidneys and flush excess
water and sodium from the body.1,2
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Nervous
System Inhibitors– relax blood vessels
by controlling nerve impulses, causing the
blood vessels to become wider and the blood
pressure to go down.2
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Vasodilators–
directly open blood vessels by relaxing
the muscle in the vessel walls, causing
the blood pressure to go down.2
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