What is captopril and hydrochlorothiazide, and what is it used for? Capozide is a combination of captopril (Capoten) and hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ), an angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor and a diuretic (water pill), respectively, and is used in the treatment of high blood pressure. ACE is an enzyme in the body that causes the formation of...
Angiotensin II receptor blockers vs. calcium channel blockers: What’s the difference? Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) and calcium channel blockers (CCBs) are used to treat high blood pressure. Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) are also used to prevent diabetes and reduce the risk of stroke in patients with high blood pressure and an enlarged heart,...
What are ACE inhibitors, and how do they work (mechanism of action)? Angiotensin II is a very potent chemical produced by the body that primarily circulates in the blood. It causes the muscles surrounding blood vessels to contract, thereby narrowing the vessels. The narrowing of the vessels increases the pressure within the vessels causing increases...
Isolated diastolic hypertension (IDH) occurs when only your diastolic blood pressure is high Blood pressure is the force of your blood pushing against the walls of your arteries, which carry blood to other parts of your body. Your blood pressure can be measured using two numbers: Systolic (the number on top): pressure exerted when the...
What is high blood pressure? High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, can have negative consequences on your health. High blood pressure can harm your blood vessels and other organs, especially the brain, eyes, heart, and kidneys. High blood pressure, or hypertension, happens when the pressure in the arteries in your heart increases to unhealthy...
What is Sectral? What are the uses for acebutolol? Sectral is used alone or with other drugs to treat high blood pressure and arrhythmias. It also is used to treat chest pain due to coronary artery disease (angina) in which the supply of blood and oxygen to the heart are inadequate for the heart to...
How to reduce cholesterol Modifying your diet to a more heart-friendly one. High blood cholesterol levels can be managed to a great extent with lifestyle changes. However, not taking medicine isn’t a solution because only lifestyle changes may not be sufficient to treat high cholesterol levels. Some of the four lifestyle changes may help to...
What is a carotid ultrasound? A carotid ultrasound test detects narrowing (stenosis) of the carotid artery that is responsible for TIAs or stroke. The carotid arteries are a pair of major blood vessels that carry blood to the brain through the neck. A carotid ultrasound is a radiological test done on your carotid arteries. It...
What is normal blood pressure by age? Blood pressure is the pressure blood exerts on the arteries as the heart pumps. Blood pressure increases with age, but normal blood pressure is 120/80 mm Hg or lower. High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a common condition in the United States. Data shows that in 2018, almost...
High blood pressure occurs due to the tightening or stiffness of very small arteries High blood pressure or hypertension affects around 80 million Americans. Hypertension is also known as “the silent killer” because it often goes unnoticed and may cause serious complications such as kidney diseases, heart diseases, heart failure, and stroke. As many as...