Hypertension treatments

Hypertension is an important risk factor for cardiovascular disease and stroke. Lifestyle modifications can lower blood pressure and effectively reduce the risk. Modifications include reducing weight, moderating alcohol intake, exercising regularly, reducing sodium intake, and stopping smoking.

From a pharmacological standpoint, there are many therapeutic agents to control hypertension, including diuretics, beta-blockers, centrally acting anti adrenergics (CAA) agents, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, calcium-channel blockers, direct renin inhibitors, and direct vasodilators. Since cardiac output and peripheral vascular resistance are the key factors that regulate blood pressure, it is not surprising that they are the targets of many antihypertensive drugs.

Review Date:7/1/2025
Reviewed By:Frank D. Brodkey, MD, FCCM, Associate Professor, Section of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997-A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

The Agency for Health Care Administration (Agency) and this website do not claim the information on, or referred to by, this site is error free. This site may include links to websites of other government agencies or private groups. Our Agency and this website do not control such sites and are not responsible for their content. Reference to or links to any other group, product, service, or information does not mean our Agency or this website approves of that group, product, service, or information.

Additionally, while health information provided through this website may be a valuable resource for the public, it is not designed to offer medical advice. Talk with your doctor about medical care questions you may have.