Blood Pressure Drugs: Overview

Blood pressure is the measure of the force that blood exerts as it flows through the blood vessels. When the heart contracts it sends a burst of blood through the body, causing blood pressure to increase momentarily. The blood pressure during the heart's contraction is called systolic pressure. In between beats (as the heart rests) blood flow is reduced and the pressure against the walls of the vessels decreases. The blood pressure during the resting period is called diastolic pressure. A person may have chronically high blood pressure, i.e. "hypertension" or chronically low blood pressure, i.e. "hypotension." Both conditions are potentially dangerous and may be controlled through diet, exercise, and certain prescription medications.

See Also¶

1. Accupril / Quinapril Hydrochloride: Overview
2. Albumin Buminate: Overview
3. Altace / Ramipril
4. Cardizem / Diltiazem Hydrochloride
5. Cardura / Doxazosin Mesylate
6. Prescription & Over-the-Counter Drugs: Overview
7. Hexamethonium: Overview
8. Lotensin / Benazepril Hydrochloride: Overview
9. Mavik / Trandolapril: Overview
10. Monopril / Fosinopril Sodium: Overview
11. Norvasc / Amlodipine
12. Posicor / Mibefradil
13. Procardia XL / Nifedipine
14. Teveten / Eprosartan Mesylate: Overview
15. Univasc / Moexipril Hydrochloride: Overview
16. Valsartan / Diovan: Overview
17. Vasotec / Enalapril
18. Blood Pressure: Frequently Asked Questions