The A to Z of Blood Pressure

You are here:
Directory | Blood Pressure |

Pain Reducing Drugs
By M. A. Fulmar

In regards to the problems associated with high blood pressure, a number of drugs have successfully reduced pain and increased the time that such patients can exercise without pain. For example:

1. Nitroglycerin has been successful for years. It opens up the arteries directly and also lowers the blood pressure, so that the heart doesn't have to work as hard. Nitroglycerin is taken under the tongue at the first sign of pain and usually works in minutes.

2. Long-acting nitrates, such as isosorbide dinitrate and isosorbide mononitrate, decrease the frequency of pain attacks. They can also be administered in a patch that's worn during the day so that the drug is absorbed through the skin.

3. Beta Mockers, a class of drugs that include propranolol, metoprolol, and atenolol, decrease the heart's oxygen requirements, thereby decreasing pain.

4. Calcium channel blocking agents, another class of drugs, such as verapamil and diltiazem, also reduce the heart's oxygen needs by reducing blood pressure and heart rate.

Author Details:
M. A. Fulmar writes about medical matters for a number of sites including Simply Top Articles and Information Junkie.

Source: The A to Z of Blood Pressure

NOTE: This article may only be reproduced if this note, the source, the author details and all links remain in place and active.

Related Blood Pressure Articles:

You may also find these High Blood Pressure articles useful.

You are here:
Directory | Blood Pressure |