Diuretics Still Best Treatment for High Blood Pressure Nov 20, 2009
The thiazide-type diuretic chlorthalidone outshone three other treatments -- a calcium channel blocker, an ACE inhibitor and an alpha-receptor blocker -- in most areas, especially in lowering the incidence of stroke and heart failure, according to the most current data from a large ongoing study known as ALLHAT (Antihypertensive and Lipid-Lowering Treatment to Prevent Heart Attack Trial) ... The participants were randomly assigned to take one of the following anti-hypertensive drugs:... (MEDLINEplus)
Micardis Given Wider Approval Oct 21, 2009
The FDA also granted new approval for a drug called Twynsta, which combines the active ingredient in Micardis with the calcium channel blocker amlodipine. The combination drug is meant to prevent high blood pressure when used alone, or in tandem with other anti-hypertension drugs, Boehringer said in a news release. (MEDLINEplus)
Beta-blockers And Stroke: New Insights Into Their Use For Older People Aug 29, 2009
9, 2008) People taking a widely used group of drugs known as calcium channel blockers to treat high blood pressure also appear to be cutting their risk of Parkinson's disease, according to a new study. The. (Science Daily)
Myofascial Trigger Points Aug 26, 2009
Some medications like lithium and calcium channel blockers may also be to blame. Chronic Pain from Trigger Points. (Suite101.com)
Five Hypertension Genes Found in Black Americans Jul 21, 2009
One of the genes identified in the study is known to be a target of one class of drugs for high blood pressure, calcium channel blockers, Rotimi said. The hope is that some of the others will also prove to be targets for prevention and treatment, he added. (MEDLINEplus)
Researchers Uncover Genetic Variants Linked To Blood Pressure In African-Americans Jul 20, 2009
An existing class of anti-hypertension drugs, called calcium channel blockers, already targets one of the genes, CACNA1H. However, the additional genes may point to new avenues for treatment and prevention. To follow up and expand upon their findings in African-Americans, the researchers scanned DNA from 980 West Africans with and without hypertension. (Science Daily)
What constitutes constipation and what are the best treatments? Jun 16, 2009
These include calcium channel blockers used for heart disease and hypertension, narcotic pain relievers, and older antidepressants such as Elavil. Age contributes, too, because intestinal muscles don't work as well as we grow older. (Boston Globe)
Blood-pressure-lowering Drugs Should Not Be Limited To People With High Blood Pressure May 27, 2009
All the classes of blood pressure lowering drugs had a similar effect for a given reduction in blood pressure that was accurately predicted from epidemiological studies of blood pressure and subsequent disease with two exceptions an extra protective effect of beta-blockers given shortly after a heart attack and a small additional effect of calcium channel blockers in preventing stroke. And combining the results with two previously published studies showed that three drugs together, each at low... (Science Daily)
Blood Pressure Meds Broad Impact Examined May 21, 2009
There are five main classes of drugs to lower blood pressure, including diuretics, ACE inhibitors and calcium channel blockers. Researchers said all classes reduced heart risk, and a combination of pills was often the most effective. (KERO 23, CA)
Catheter Ablation Effective in Treating Atrial Fibrillation May 16, 2009
Doctors often first prescribe beta blockers, calcium channel blockers, flecainide or propafenone to try to improve the condition before resorting to surgical options such as installing a pacemaker or catheter ablation. In catheter ablation, doctors guide a thin flexible tube through blood vessels to the heart. (MEDLINEplus)
Water Pills Match Blood-Pressure Drugs May 15, 2009
They were compared to ACE inhibitors, calcium channel blockers and alpha blockers. Water pills, which have been in use for several decades, are usually less expensive than other treatments. (KIRO TV, WA)
Milestone Study On Blood Pressure Medications Confirmed May 15, 2009
In the ALLHAT study, diuretic drugs were compared to angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors that widen blood vessels and decrease resistance, calcium channel blockers that relax vessels by slowing the flow of calcium into the heart and alpha blockers, which also relax blood vessels ... Evidence from subsequent analyses of ALLHAT and other clinical outcome trials confirm that neither alpha blockers, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, nor calcium channel blockers surpass... (Science Daily)
Why Females Do Not Fare As Well As Men In Undergoing Angioplasty For Heart Attacks May 12, 2009
17, 2006) Researchers in the Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory at Thomas Jefferson University have found that nicardipine, a commonly available calcium channel blocker, is effective in reversing the. . (Science Daily)
All Blood Pressure Drugs Lower Risk of Heart Attack and Stroke May 9, 2009
For stroke, all antihypertensive drugs were better than placebo, but diuretics, ARBs or calcium channel blockers were significantly better than beta blockers or angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors ... Although there are some differences in stroke prevention between the different antihypertensives, the data suggest that diuretics and calcium channel blockers may be more effective in preventing stroke than heart attack. (MEDLINEplus)
Doctor finds a way to treat controversial angina (1) Apr 16, 2009
Treatment typically includes drugs that improve blood flow to the heart, such as calcium channel blockers or beta blockers. Lifestyle changes are recommended, just as they are for any other heart patient: Don't smoke, lose weight, exercise regularly and get diabetes under control. (Bartow Polk County Democrat, FL)
Targeted drug therapy prevents exercise-induced arrhythmias Mar 30, 2009
Current treatment has been limited to two medications beta blockers, often used at very high doses, and calcium channel blockers to control the arrhythmias. Implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) are placed in patients at high risk for sudden death, but ongoing arrhythmias can result in frequent stressful shocks. (EurekAlert!)
Older Patients With One Type Of Heart Failure May Receive Little Or No Benefit From Drugs Mar 20, 2009
Sixty-nine percent of the patients died during the five-year follow-up, and none of the drug therapies statins, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors/angiotensin II receptor blockers, beta blockers, diuretics, calcium channel blockers, nitrates, and digoxin appeared to make a significant difference in which patients survived and which did not. "The risk of adverse drug effects in the geriatric population is high. Because older patients may be taking multiple medications for a variety of... (Science Daily)
Some Elderly Heart Patients Get Little Help From Meds Mar 13, 2009
The researchers found that none of the usually prescribed drugs -- including statins, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors/angiotensin II receptor blockers, beta blockers, diuretics, calcium channel blockers, nitrates and digoxin -- seemed to make any significant difference in who survived and who died. "At least for patients above the age of 80 with diastolic heart failure, whether they are treated or not with these kind of medications does not affect their mortality or their long-term... (W-USA News, DC)
New Drug Shows Promise Against Heartbeat Abnormality Feb 13, 2009
Current drug treatments include beta blockers and calcium channel blockers. Dronedarone is a chemical relative of amiodarone, a drug that has severe side effects but still is widely used in atrial fibrillation. (U.S. News & World Report)
Continuous Blood Pressure Monitoring Predicts Risks Feb 7, 2009
Resistant hypertension can be treated successfully with combinations of drugs such as diuretics, ACE inhibitors and calcium channel blockers, he said. Not all doctors are convinced that round-the-clock monitoring is the total solution. (MEDLINEplus)
Blood Pressure Pill Combo More Effective Than Diuretics Feb 7, 2009
The patients took either a tablet containing benazepril (an ACE inhibitor) and amlodipine (a calcium channel blocker) or a tablet that contained benazepril and hydrochloro-thiazide, a type of diuretic (water pill). Both combination pills helped reduce blood pressure in more than 75 percent of patients, but those taking the first pill had 20 percent fewer cardiovascular events than those taking the other combination pill with the diuretic. (MEDLINEplus)
Headaches & Migraines Feb 7, 2009
Calcium channel blockers, another class of cardiovascular drugs, especially verapamil (Calan, Isoptin), also may be helpful. In addition, the antihypertensive medications lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril) and candesartan (Atacand) are useful migraine prevention medications. (CNN -- Health)
Gene Ups Risk for Those on Blood-Thinner Plavix Feb 7, 2009
In a second study, published in the Oct. 28 online edition of the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, Austrian researchers found that calcium channel blockers drugs, widely prescribed to lower blood pressure, might reduce the Plavix' anti-clotting effects. HealthDay. (MEDLINEplus)
