How do diuretics work? How would administering a patient an ACE inhibitor help with hyptension?
595191
diuretics reduces the kidneys ability to reabsorb water from the wastes they are filtering. this specifically happens in the nephrons decending loop of henle
1098331
Can you ask if the diuretic can be changed? Or have you already tried it. \nDid the PTCA improve your symptoms? Did the cardiologist advice you regarding the oedema? Sometimes exercise (walking, and surprisingly some yoga exercises are wonderful) helps a bit as well to reduce oedema as well as drinking pineapple juice as it acts as a kind of diuretic. All this is best discussed with your doctor, ask them if they would recommend yoga.
445021
Depends on the reason you're retaining. Look at salt intake (too much stimulates the angiotensin regulating mechanism in your body, resulting in higher blood pressure and fluid retention), exercise (you can expel a lot of fluid in plain ol' sweat), and any meds you may be on. Cornsilk, when used CAREFULLY, can aid as a diuretic (agent to expel water from the body, usually through increased urination). Saunas are excellent for this purpose, using the sweat glands instead of the urinary tract. But please do see your doctor before trying anything that may jack your blood pressure or, really anything really different than what you're doing. You want to lose fluid, after all, not consciousness. ; )
320939
Atenolol works by competing for receptor sites on, in atenolol's case, cardiac muscle. This slows down the strength of the heart`s contractions and reduces its oxygen requirements and the volume of blood it has to pump. Hypertension (high blood pressure) may be treated with these drugs because of their ability to increase the diameter of the blood vessels thus allowing blood to flow under less pressure. Some of these medicines include a diuretic to help reduce blood pressure by increasing the body`s excretion of excess fluid. Beta blockers are also used to treat Myocardial infarction (heart attack) and Arrhythmias (rhythm disorders), angina (chest pains), and disorders arising from decreased circulation and vascular constriction, including migraine.
789174
I did some research on this drug, and thats not one of the side effects listed.  The answer is no.  Good luck!\n\nIMIDAPRIL HCl HYDROCHLOROTHIAZIDE Vascoride\nEnhanced BP Protection at No Extra Cost\n\nIndications\nImidapril-hydrochlorothiazide tablet is indicated for the treatment of hypertension.\n\nDosage and Administration\n\n    * Initial Dose: 1 tablet once daily\n    * This preparation is not intended as first-line therapy. It should be initiated in hypertensive patients whose blood pressure is not controlled (>140/90 mmHg) with single-dose antihypertensive treatment.\n    * Adjust dosage based on clinical response. \n\n\n\nContraindications\nImidapril-hydrochlorothiazide tablet is contraindicated in patients with the following:\n\n    * Known hypersensitivity to any of the components of the product\n    * History of angioneurotic edema\n    * Sulfonamide hypersensitivity or thiazide diuretic hypersensitivity because of the risk of cross-sensitivity\n    * Renal failure and anuria since thiazide diuretics are considered ineffective when the creatinine clearance is less than 30 mL/minute. \n\n\n\nPrecautions\nUse with caution in patients with the following conditions:\n\n    * Sodium depletion or hypovolemia, and those undergoing dialysis, major surgery or during anesthesia since severe hypotension may occur.\n    * Renal disease, especially among elderly patients; Increased age and impaired renal function may decrease the urinary excretion of imidapril and its metabolites. Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) may also decrease the glomerular filtration rate and may precipitate azotemia in these patients.\n    * Unilateral or bilateral artery stenosis since increase in blood urea nitrogen and serum creatinine may occur.\n    * Renal dysfunction that is critically dependent on the activity of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAS) (e.g., patients with heart failure) since angiotensin-II receptor antagonists affect the RAS system and have caused increases in serum creatinine and renal failure in susceptible individuals.\n    * Hepatic disease since minor alterations of fluid and electrolyte balance may precipitate hepatic coma.\n    * Gout or hyperuricemia since thiazide diuretics such as HCTZ have been reported to reduce the clearance of uric acid.\n    * History of pancreatitis since thiazide diuretics have been reported to cause pancreatitis.
31051
There are three natural supplements that studies have shown to be highly effective in helping to reduce high blood pressure: Niacin, Garlic, and Cinnamon. All are available at health food stores, or even Walgreens. Doctors now commonly prescribe a pharma version of niacin to help control pressure. Another very important thing is daily exercise. It doesn't have to be much, a daily walk, just get your blood pumping!
168252
Hyzaar(Losartan/hydrochlorothiazide)50mg/12.5mg\n\nDOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION \nHypertension Dosing must be individualized. \nThe usual starting dose of losartan is 50 mg once daily, with 25 mg recommended for patients with intravascular volume depletion (e.g., patients treated with diuretics) and patients with a history of hepatic impairment \n\nLosartan can be administered once or twice daily at total daily doses of 25 to 100 mg. If the antihypertensive effect measured at trough using once-a-day dosing is inadequate, a twice-a-day regimen at the same total daily dose or an increase in dose may give a more satisfactory response. \n\nHydrochlorothiazide is effective in doses of 12.5 to 50 mg once daily and can be given at doses of 12.5 to 25 mg as HYZAAR. To minimize dose-independent side effects, it is usually appropriate to begin combination therapy only after a patient has failed to achieve the desired effect with monotherapy. \n\nThe side effects of losartan are generally rare and apparently independent of dose; those of hydrochlorothiazide are a mixture of dose-dependent (primarily hypokalemia) and dose-independent phenomena (e.g., pancreatitis), the former much more common than the latter.\n\nTherapy with any combination of losartan and hydrochlorothiazide will be associated with both sets of dose-independent side effects. \n\nReplacement Therapy: The combination may be substituted for the titrated components. \n\nDose Titration by Clinical Effect: A patient whose blood pressure is not adequately controlled with losartan monotherapy (see above) or hydrochlorothiazide alone, may be switched to HYZAAR 50-12.5 (losartan 50 mg/hydrochlorothiazide 12.5 mg) once daily. If blood pressure remains uncontrolled after about 3 weeks of therapy, the dose may be increased to two tablets of HYZAAR 50-12.5 once daily or one tablet of HYZAAR 100-25 (losartan 100 mg/hydrochlorothiazide 25 mg) once daily. A patient whose blood pressure is not adequately controlled with losartan 100 mg monotherapy (see above) may be switched to HYZAAR 100-12.5 once daily. If blood pressure remains uncontrolled after about 3 weeks of therapy, the dose may be increased to two tablets of HYZAAR 50-12.5 once daily or one tablet of HYZAAR 100-25 (losartan 100 mg/hydrochlorothiazide 25 mg) once daily.A patient whose blood pressure is inadequately controlled by 25 mg once daily of hydrochlorothiazide, or is controlled but who experiences hypokalemia with this regimen, may be switched to HYZAAR 50-12.5 (losartan 50 mg/hydrochlorothiazide 12.5 mg) once daily, reducing the dose of hydrochlorothiazide without reducing the overall expected antihypertensive response. The clinical response to HYZAAR 50-12.5 should be subsequently evaluated, and if blood pressure remains uncontrolled after about 3 weeks of therapy, the dose may be increased to two tablets of HYZAAR 50-12.5 once daily or one tablet of HYZAAR 100-25 (losartan 100 mg/hydrochlorothiazide 25 mg) once daily.The usual dose of HYZAAR is one tablet of HYZAAR 50-12.5 once daily. More than two tablets of HYZAAR 50-12.5 once daily or more than one tablet of HYZAAR 100-25 once daily is not recommended. The maximal antihypertensive effect is attained about 3 weeks after initiation of therapy.Use in Patients with Renal Impairment: The usual regimens of therapy with HYZAAR may be followed as long as the patient's creatinine clearance is >30 mL/min. In patients with more severe renal impairment, loop diuretics are preferred to thiazides, so HYZAAR is not recommended. \n\nPatients with Hepatic Impairment: HYZAAR is not recommended for titration in patients with hepatic impairment because the appropriate 25 mg starting dose of losartan cannot be given. Severe Hypertension The starting dose of HYZAAR for initial treatment of severe hypertension is one tablet of HYZAAR 50-12.5 once daily (see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY, Pharmacodynamics and Clinical Effects). For patients who do not respond adequately to HYZAAR 50-12.5 after
349570
#1, I hope your friend sees a doctor/PA/NP for medical care.\n#2, The choice of the initial medication for high blood pressure depends on what other health problems he has (if any).\n\nYou need to DRAG him to the doctor's as soon as you can. He needs treatment NOW, to prevent much worse problems (heart attack, stroke, kidney failure, etc.) in the future.\n\nA good family practice or internal medicine provider can manage high blood pressure quite well. A cardiologist usually isn't needed.
625346
Ice packs, reduce your salt intake, drink tea or coffee (both are diuretics).
454571
High Blood Pressure treatment\nFirst look at the reasons for having a high blood pressure. Once you identify the reasons for your elevated blood pressure, try to eliminate them.\nIn general, switching over to a healthier lifestyle can control the high blood pressure. Follow the following recommendations to keep your blood pressure at healthier levels without the need for medication:\nRemove your cause of mental tension or stress or worries. If the reason is your office, discuss the problem with your colleagues and seniors. Don't keep the problem with you. Mental tensions can often be reduced by a brisk walk, laugh loudly and relaxation or meditation. In fact, if you daily practice meditation, you can control your blood pressure for ever.\nMaintain your weight. Exercise more often. Since excess body fat is a primary risk factor in hypertension, it is important to maintain a healthy weight.\nBe physically active. Brisk walking, bicycling, raking leaves, and gardening are the best exercises.\nFollow a low fat diet. Eliminate cholesterol in your diet.\nEliminate salt from your diet. Look at the salt content of tinned foods, snacks, potato chips, French fries, diet soft drinks, sauces, etc. These are high in salt, don't eat them. Do not eat foods that contain soda, sodium, Na, monosodium glutamate, baking soda and preservatives. Read the food labels carefully. With herbs, spices, garlic and onions, you can make your food tasty without salt.\nRestrict consumption of refined sugars. Read the lables and note different names of sugars.\nA high fiber diet is recommended.\nIncrease intake of potassium, magnesium, calcium and vitamin C. Potassium rich foods include banana, orange, tangerine, beans, dried peas,potatoes, etc.\nMagnesium rich foods include almonds, cashews, pecans, rice, banana, potatoes, kidney beans, oat bran, peas, soy, wheat germ, etc.\nCalcium rich foods include low fat dairy foods, nuts, watercress, kale, broccoli, turnip greens, collard greens, mustard greens, etc.\nGarlic helps reduce blood pressure and cholesterol.
245070
a chemical that stops angiotensin converting enzyme (ace) from creating angiotensin II (AGII)\n\nAGII is a potent blood pressure increaser, acting directly on vascular walls.\n\nHas been shown to have a mortality benefit in many patient populations, including simple hypertension, congestive hear failure, acute heart attack....\n\nCan reduce the incidence of diabetic nephropathy, and retinal disease from htn.  Many other... very very common class of drugs.
329630
Avoid salt!  There are many foods that can make you retain water.  Pickles are a big one!  If changing what you eat doesn't work, see your doctor.  You may have a serious health condition.  Don't mess around with over-the-counter diuretics.  They are not good for you.  Ultimately, get off of your feet and elevate them!
66938
First, only your Doctor should prescribe a medicine for hypertension....\n\nI have been on Atenolol for over 5 yrs, and it has worked fabulously.  It is relatively cheap ( Under $30 per mo. ) \n\nLIFESTYLE changes, reducing stress, moderate aerobic exercise ALL contribute to reducing BP normally...\n\nDo a Google Search for Homeopathic HYpertension Treatments
126381
I am 22 years old and I have level 2 hypertension (really high bp for my age), and I have found that there are many things that can help drop the pressure. Try eating less sodium (salt) in your foods. Excercise daily. Stay away from caffiene as much as possible or any other stimulant for that matter. RELAX, being angry also raises your blood pressure. Dont smoke. Do not take over the counter allergy medicine without consulting your doctor first. In most cases high blood pressure is un-curable but can be tamed. Usually it is hereditary so medicine is a must. If you do decide to go with the medicine, make sure that it is right for you. I was taking a certain med and it just made my heart race, so I guess you could say it made things worse. Hope that all this helped.
711919
contains two prescription medicines that work together to lower blood pressure: amlodipine besylate (the active ingredient found in Norvasc®), a calcium channel blocker, and benazepril hydrochloride (Lotensin®), an ACE inhibitor. A doctor will prescribe Lotrel only after other medicines haven't worked.
810724
Preventive Care :\n \nStudies suggest that the following lifestyle factors can help prevent hypertension:\n\nMaintaining a desirable weight\n\nAccording to several large-scale, population-based studies, being overweight is one of the strongest predictors of development of high blood pressure, including in adolescents and young adults. Similarly, maintaining a normal body weight is one of the most effective ways to prevent high blood pressure. Weight reduction, therefore, in overweight individuals of any age should be a priority in the prevention of hypertension.\n\nReducing salt intake\n\nAlthough population-based studies suggest a link between salt intake and prevalence of high blood pressure in particular groups of people (African Americans, for example), how each individual responds to sodium in his or her diet is quite variable. Since reducing dietary salt is generally considered safe, however, low-salt diets are recommended, particularly for those at risk for developing hypertension or heart disease.\n\nIncreasing physical activity\n\nSeveral studies suggest that physically inactive people may be at an increased risk for developing hypertension. According to some population-based studies, men who lead physically active lives can reduce their risk of developing hypertension by 35% to 70%. Although the duration and frequency of exercise necessary to prevent or treat hypertension is not well established, some evidence suggests that low to moderate intensity exercise may be more effective than higher intensity exercise training. \n\nLimiting alcohol consumption\n\nStudies suggest that people who consume three or more alcoholic beverages per day increase their risk for developing hypertension. If an individual is going to drink alcohol, therefore, intake should be limited to no more than two drinks per day.\n\nEating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables\n\nPeople who consume vegetarian diets have significantly lower blood pressure than those who do not. The specific nutrients responsible for lowered blood pressure remain largely unknown, however.\n \nPlease visit:\nhttp://www.umm.edu/altmed/ConsConditions/Hypertensioncc.html\nhttp://www.yoga.net.au/precautions
149653
You posted this question here so obviously you are looking for diet and nutrition solutions.  Congratulations to making efforts to improving your health.  The good news is - hypertension can be managed by diet.  This is a general answer I usually offer to my patients with the same question....\n\nIn general, a diet that emphasizes fruits & vegetables, whole grains and low-fat dairy appears effective in shaving points off a blood pressure reading. In particular, shedding pounds, cutting down on sodium, boosting potassium intake and limiting alcohol are all proven ways to help control blood pressure.\n\nFor more details on diet solutions, go to the DASH diet link at the bottom of the page listed below.\n\nTake Care :-)