Over time, high blood pressure can weaken your heart. It also puts a strain on your arteries, making it more likely that they will become blocked or damaged. That’s why high blood pressure increases your risk of developing a vascular disease such as heart disease, stroke or kidney disease.
If you discovered that you have raised blood pressure at your NHS Health Check, your GP or health professional will have discussed this with you. You may have been offered a course of blood pressure-lowering medicines.
These medicines – also called anti-hypertensives – can help to lower moderately high or high blood pressure.
As well as taking these medicines, your GP will also have discussed lifestyle actions that you should take in order to bring your blood pressure down, including eating a healthier diet and being more physically active. Learn more in Lower your blood pressure.
Different types of blood pressure medicine
There are different kinds of blood pressure lowering medicines, including.
- Ace inhibitors. These work by blocking the action of some of the hormones that regulate blood pressure.
- Calcium channel blockers. These work by relaxing the muscles that make up the walls of your arteries. This causes the arteries to become wider, reducing your blood pressure.
- Thiazide diuretics. These work by reducing the amount of water in your blood and widening your arteries, thus reducing blood pressure.
- Beta-blockers. These reduce your heart rate and the force with which your heart pumps blood. They are typically only used to reduce blood pressure when other treatments haven't worked.
Your GP will talk to you about the medicine that's right for you. Learn more in Health A-Z: high blood pressure treatment.
Taking your medicines
Your GP will talk to you about how to take your medicines. It's important that you stick to the advice that you're given.
Remember, your local pharmacist is also a trained expert in medicines. They can give you advice about your medicines and how to take them.
If you have unwanted side effects, talk to your GP or pharmacist.
