Calcium channel blockersĬalcium channel blockers reduce blood pressure by widening your blood vessels.Ĭommon examples are amlodipine, felodipine and nifedipine. There is no clear evidence that taking angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors or angiotensin-2 receptor blockers (ARBs) will cause complications. If you have coronavirus (COVID-19), or think you might have it, keep taking your blood pressure medicines as usual. Possible side effects include dizziness, headaches, and cold or flu-like symptoms. They're often recommended if ACE inhibitors cause troublesome side effects.Ĭommon examples are candesartan, irbesartan, losartan, valsartan and olmesartan. Angiotensin-2 receptor blockers (ARBs)ĪRBs work in a similar way to ACE inhibitors. Other possible side effects include headaches, dizziness and a rash. The most common side effect is a persistent dry cough.

ACE inhibitorsĪngiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors reduce blood pressure by relaxing your blood vessels.Ĭommon examples are enalapril, lisinopril, perindopril and ramipril. Talk to your doctor, who may advise changing your medicine. If you do get side effects, do not stop taking your medicine. Medicines used to treat high blood pressure can have side effects, but most people do not get any. The medicine will not necessarily make you feel any different, but this does not mean it's not working. If you miss doses, it will not work as well. It's really important to take your medicine as directed. But your doctor might be able to reduce or stop your treatment if your blood pressure stays under control for several years. You may need to take blood pressure medicine for the rest of your life. if you're aged 55 or older, or you're any age and of African or Caribbean origin – you'll usually be offered a calcium channel blocker.if you're under 55 years of age – you'll usually be offered an ACE inhibitor or an angiotensin-2 receptor blocker (ARB).Many people need to take a combination of different medicines. Several types of medicine can be used to help control high blood pressure. Get more advice about lifestyle changes to prevent and reduce high blood pressure Medicines for high blood pressure In fact, by making these changes early on you may be able to avoid needing medicines. You can take these steps today, regardless of whether or not you're taking blood pressure medicines. drink less caffeine – found in coffee, tea and cola.lose weight – find out what your ideal weight is using the BMI healthy weight calculator and read advice about losing weight if you're overweight.cut down on alcohol – get tips on cutting down, including downloading a drinks diary and keeping track of your drinking.be active – read some tips about getting more exercise.eat a low-fat, balanced diet – including plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables get tips on eating more healthily.cut your salt intake to less than 6g (0.2oz) a day, which is about a teaspoonful – find out how you can reduce the amount of salt in your diet.Some of these will lower your blood pressure in a matter of weeks, while others may take longer. There are some changes you could make to your lifestyle to reduce high blood pressure. if your blood pressure is consistently above 160/100mmHg – you'll be offered medicine to lower your blood pressure, in addition to lifestyle changes.if your blood pressure is consistently above 140/90mmHg (or 135/85mmHg at home) and your risk of other problems is high – you'll be offered medicine to lower your blood pressure, in addition to lifestyle changes.if your blood pressure is consistently above 140/90mmHg (or 135/85mmHg at home), but your risk of other problems is low – you'll be advised to make some changes to your lifestyle.Your doctor will carry out some blood and urine tests, and ask questions about your health to determine your risk of other problems: Whether medicine is also recommended depends on your blood pressure reading and your risk of developing problems such as heart attacks or strokes. When treatment is recommendedĮveryone with high blood pressure is advised to make healthy lifestyle changes. This patient decision aid (PDF, 132kb) can also help you to understand your treatment options. Your GP can advise you about changes you can make to your lifestyle and discuss whether they think you'd benefit from medicine. Simple lifestyle changes can help reduce high blood pressure, although some people may need to take medicine as well.

Blood pressure medication