Antihypertensive agents
Antihypertensive agents
Antihypertensive agents (pronounced: an-tee-hy-per-TEN-siv ay-gents) are a class of drugs that are used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure). The term "antihypertensive" is derived from "anti-" meaning against, and "hypertensive" referring to high blood pressure.
Etymology
The term "antihypertensive" is derived from the Greek words "anti" meaning against, and "hyper" meaning excessive, and the Latin word "tensio" meaning tension or pressure. Thus, antihypertensive agents are those that work against excessive tension or pressure, specifically in the blood vessels.
Types of Antihypertensive Agents
There are several types of antihypertensive agents, including:
- Diuretics: These increase the excretion of water and salt from the body, reducing blood volume and lowering blood pressure.
- Beta blockers: These reduce the heart rate and the heart's output of blood, which lowers blood pressure.
- ACE inhibitors: These prevent the formation of a hormone called angiotensin II, which normally causes blood vessels to narrow.
- Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs): These block the action of angiotensin II, allowing blood vessels to widen.
- Calcium channel blockers: These prevent calcium from entering cells of the heart and blood vessel walls, resulting in lower blood pressure.
Related Terms
- Hypertension: A condition characterized by consistently high blood pressure.
- Blood Pressure: The force exerted by circulating blood on the walls of blood vessels.
- Cardiovascular disease: A class of diseases that involve the heart or blood vessels.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Antihypertensive agents
- Wikipedia's article - Antihypertensive agents
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