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 …
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What is the difference between hemoglobin and hematocrit? Hemoglobin is the iron-based molecule type that gives blood its red color and ferries oxygen to the rest of the body. Hemoglobin is a protein in red blood cells and hematocrit is a measurement of the amount of red blood cells as related to total blood cell count. Both hemoglobin and hematocrit …
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What are angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs? How do they work (mechanism of action)? Angiotensin II is a very potent chemical formed in the blood that causes muscles surrounding blood vessels to contract, thereby narrowing the vessels. This narrowing increases the pressure within the vessels and can cause high blood pressure (hypertension). Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) are medications that block …
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What is high blood pressure (hypertension)? Readers Comments 36 Share Your Story Regular blood pressure monitoring is a necessary part of treating hypertension. High blood pressure or hypertension, means high pressure (tension) in the arteries. Arteries are vessels that carry blood from the pumping heart to all the tissues and organs of the body. High blood pressure does not mean …
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What is furosemide, and what is it used for? Furosemide (Lasix) is a potent diuretic (water pill) that is used to eliminate water and salt from the body. In the kidneys, salt (composed of sodium and chloride), water, and other small molecules normally are filtered out of the blood and into the tubules of the kidney. The filtered fluid ultimately …
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Hydralazine vs. hydrochlorothiazide: What’s the difference? Hydralazine and hydrochlorothiazide are used to treat high blood pressure and congestive heart failure (CHF). Hydralazine is also used to treat hypertensive crisis. Hydrochlorothiazide is also used to treat excessive fluid accumulation and swelling (edema) of the body caused by cirrhosis, chronic kidney failure, corticosteroid medications, and nephrotic syndrome. A brand name for hydrochlorothiazide …
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Hydralazine vs. clonidine: What’s the difference? Hydralazine and clonidine are used to treat high blood pressure. Hydralazine is also used to treat hypertensive crisis and congestive heart failure (CHF). Clonidine is also used off-label to treat alcohol withdrawal, smoking cessation, restless leg syndrome, Tourette’s syndrome, and opioid withdrawal. Hydralazine and clonidine belong to different drug classes. Hydralazine is a peripheral …
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What are the common types of high blood pressure (hypertension) medications? There are a number of types and classes of drugs available for the management and treatment of high blood pressure (hypertension). Your doctor or other health care professional will prescribe a drug that fits your specific needs based on your medical condition, and any other existing health problems you …
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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. Angiotensin II causes …
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What is enalapril and hydrochlorothiazide, and what is it used for? Vaseretic is a combination of enalapril and hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) and is used for treating high blood pressure (hypertension). It is in a class of drugs called angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. ACE is an enzyme in the body that causes the formation of angiotensin II. Angiotensin II causes the …
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