Summary:
There are many types of blood pressure drugs
Some are KNOWN to INCREASE death rates
IMHO, no BP med should be used for life
Blog 1 shows some of the CAUSES of high BP
BP drugs DO NOT address causes
List of BP meds that INCREASE early death risk. Note that some of these drugs are repurposed for uses other than lowering systemic BP.
alpha blockers:
Non-selective α-adrenergic receptor antagonists include:
Phenoxybenzamine
Phentolamine
Tolazoline
Trazodone
Selective α1-adrenergic receptor antagonists include:
Alfuzosin[4]
Doxazosin[5]
Prazosin (inverse agonist)[6]
Tamsulosin[7]
Terazosin[8]
Silodosin[9]
Selective α2-adrenergic receptor antagonists include:
Atipamezole
Idazoxan
Mirtazapine
Yohimbine
Finally, the agents carvedilol and labetalol are both α and β-blockers.
α1 agonist
α1 agonist: stimulates phospholipase C activity. (vasoconstriction and mydriasis; used as vasopressors, nasal decongestants and during eye exams). Selected examples are:
Methoxamine
Midodrine
Metaraminol
Phenylephrine[1]
Amidephrine[2]
Sdz-nvi-085 [104195-17-7].
α2 agonist
α2 agonist: inhibits adenylyl cyclase activity, reduces brainstem vasomotor center-mediated CNS activation; used as antihypertensive, sedative & treatment of opiate dependence and alcohol withdrawal symptoms). Selected examples are:
Clonidine (mixed alpha2-adrenergic and imidazoline-I1 receptor agonist)
Dexmedetomidine
Fadolmidine
Guanfacine,[3] (preference for alpha2A-subtype of adrenoceptor)
Guanabenz (most selective agonist for alpha2-adrenergic as opposed to imidazoline-I1)
Guanoxabenz (metabolite of guanabenz)
Guanethidine (peripheral alpha2-receptor agonist)
Xylazine(not for human use),[4]
Tizanidine
Methyldopa
Methylnorepinephrine
Norepinephrine[5]
(R)-3-nitrobiphenyline is an α2C selective agonist as well as being a weak antagonist at the α2A and α2B subtypes.[6][7]
amitraz[8]
Detomidine[citation needed]
Lofexidine, an α2A adrenergic receptor agonist.[9]
Medetomidine, an α2 adrenergic agonist.[10]
Source: Wikipedia
Scientists at the Intermountain Medical Center Heart Institute in Salt Lake City, UT, found that individuals with hypertension who used alpha blockers and alpha-2 agonists to control their blood pressure showed an increase in blood pressure variability, which could increase mortality risk.
Lead study author Dr. Brian Clements and team have recently presented their findings at the 2018 American College of Cardiology (ACC) Scientific Sessions, held in Orlando, FL.
Blood pressure is the force of blood that pushes against the wall of the arteries. And, in November last year, the American Heart Association (AHA) and the ACC set new guidelines.
Now, a person is considered to have hypertension if their systolic blood pressure (the top number) is 130 millimeters of mercury (mmHg) or higher, and their diastolic blood pressure (the bottom number) is 80 mmHg or higher.
Systolic blood pressure is the force of blood against the artery walls when the heart is beating, while diastolic blood pressure is the force of blood when the heart is at rest, or between heartbeats.
The updated guidelines mean that almost half of adults in the United States have high blood pressure, which puts them at greater risk of heart attack, stroke, and heart disease, among other health problems.
Of course, when it comes to treating hypertension, the goal is to lower blood pressure. This may be achieved through lifestyle changes — such as adopting a healthful diet and increasing physical activity — medication, or both.
Previous research, however, has discovered that consistency is key for blood pressure levels. A study published in The BMJ in 2016, for example, associated higher variability of systolic blood pressure with a 15 percent increase in all-cause mortality - Trusted Source.
According to the new study from Dr. Clements and colleagues, certain types of medication that are used to lower blood pressure may be contributing to this mortality risk.
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