ANTIHYPERTENSIVE DRUGS

The anti-hypertensives are a class of drugs that are used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure). Evidence suggests that reduction of the blood pressure by 5 mm Hg can decrease the risk of stroke by 34%, of ischaemic heart disease by 21%, and reduce the likelihood of dementia, heart failure, and mortality from cardiovascular disease.

There are many classes of anti-hypertensives, which lower blood pressure by different means; among the most important and most widely used are

· thiazide diuretics

· ACE inhibitors

· calcium channel blockers

· beta blockers

· angiotensin II receptor antagonists or ARBs.

Which type of medication to use initially for hypertension has been the subject of several large studies and resulting national guidelines? The fundamental goal of treatment should be the prevention of the important endpoints of hypertension, such as heart attack, stroke and heart failure. The several classes of antihypertensives differ in side effect profiles, ability to prevent endpoints, and cost. The choice of more expensive agents, where cheaper ones would be equally effective, may have negative impacts on national healthcare budgets. As of 2009, the best available evidence favors the thiazide diuretics as the first-line treatment of choice for high blood pressure when drugs are necessary.