All articles tagged with #blood pressure medications
Nearly half of U.S. adults have high blood pressure, and among medications, ARBs are considered the best long-term option due to their safety profile, while beta blockers are generally less favored unless specific conditions warrant their use. Lifestyle changes like exercise, sleep, and sodium reduction are crucial for effective blood pressure management.
A large-scale review published in Cephalalgia highlights the untapped potential of blood pressure (BP) medications in preventing migraines. The study found that a broader range of BP-lowering medications, including alpha-blockers, ARBs, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, beta-blockers, and calcium channel blockers, demonstrated efficacy in reducing headache frequency in people with migraines. The research suggests that these common and affordable medications could serve as an important preventive measure for patients with migraines or severe headache episodes, especially in countries where newer migraine medications may be expensive or unavailable. However, the study also emphasizes the need for larger studies based on current evaluation methods to further understand the potential mechanisms behind the effect of BP-lowering medications on migraines.
Inspiratory muscle training (IMT) has shown promising results in reducing blood pressure by about 7 mmHg systolic and 2 mmHg diastolic in people with elevated blood pressure. IMT also has potential benefits for endothelial health and overall cardiovascular well-being. While the benefits may not be significant, they are comparable to some blood pressure medications and can help reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke. Other non-drug treatments for high blood pressure include salt restriction and relaxation techniques. Additionally, tannins in tea, not caffeine, can decrease the absorption of non-heme iron, while heme iron found in meat is not affected.
Commonly used prescription and over-the-counter drugs, including some antibiotics and blood pressure medications, can cause significant damage to your kidneys. People over 60 years of age or living with chronic conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and lupus nephritis are at higher risk of kidney damage from these medications. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), antibiotics, proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), blood pressure medications, supplements, and psychiatric medications are among the common medications that can cause kidney damage. To avoid kidney damage from medication, keep an updated list of OTC and prescription medications and supplements, ask your doctor how each medication you take might interfere with your kidneys, stay hydrated, eat a reduced salt diet that includes a lot of fruits and vegetables, and exercise daily to control blood pressure.