Final answer:
Medications that cause the blood vessels to dilate, known as vasodilators, are used to lower elevated blood pressure. These include calcium channel blockers, ACE inhibitors, and ß-blockers. Managing high blood pressure usually requires a combination of medications to achieve target blood pressure levels.
Step-by-step explanation:
Treating Elevated Blood Pressure with Vasodilating Medications
Dr. Jones is going to treat Mr. Lopez's elevated blood pressure with a medication that is a vasodilator. Vasodilators are a group of drugs that cause blood vessels to dilate, or become larger, thereby lowering blood pressure. Among such medications are drugs like calcium channel blockers, ACE inhibitors, and certain ß-blockers such as metoprolol and propanolol. These medications improve cardiac function by enabling the blood vessels to relax, increasing the blood flow and thus reducing the workload on the heart.
Hypertension can significantly increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases, and managing it is essential to prevent conditions such as stroke and heart failure. Lifestyle changes are beneficial for controlling the progression of related conditions such as atherosclerosis. However, when lifestyle alterations are not sufficient, a combination of antihypertensive medications, often more than one, may be required, following a stepped care approach to reach target blood pressure levels.
It is worth noting, however, that ACE inhibitors and ARBs should not be used in combination, as they act on similar pathways that regulate blood pressure, and their combined effects may lead to adverse outcomes. Diuretics are also used in treating hypertension, with some acting on the loop of Henle, inhibiting the reabsorption of Na+ and Cl-, thus aiding in the excretion of excess fluid and further contributing to blood pressure reduction.