Hypertension Glossary of Terms

ARCHIVED 2015-05-09, DATE APPROXIMATE · VERSION 20150509_rev01 · COMPARED WITH 20150408_rev01

Full text changes — 20150408_rev01 to 20150509_rev01

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 **[Angina](http://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/guide/heart-disease-angina):** [chest pain](http://www.webmd.com/pain-management/guide/whats-causing-my-chest-pain)
 **Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE) Inhibitors:** one kind of [medication](http://www.webmd.com/drugs/index-drugs.aspx) used to treat [high blood pressure](http://www.webmd.com/hypertension-high-blood-pressure/default.htm) by preventing the body from making the chemical angiotensin II. This chemical causes [blood](http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/rm-quiz-blood-basics) vessels to narrow, which can raise [blood pressure](http://www.webmd.com/hypertension-high-blood-pressure/guide/diastolic-and-systolic-blood-pressure-know-your-numbers). [ACE inhibitors](http://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/guide/medicine-ace-inhibitors) allow the vessels to expand, which lowers blood pressure. These drugs are also used to treat [congestive heart failure](http://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/guide-heart-failure), to protect the [kidneys](http://www.webmd.com/urinary-incontinence-oab/picture-of-the-kidneys) in people with [diabetes](http://www.webmd.com/diabetes/default.htm), and to treat people who have had a [heart attack](http://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/ss/slideshow-heart-attack).
+[High Blood Pressure and Drug Safety](http://www.webmd.com/hypertension-high-blood-pressure/high-blood-pressure-medication-safety)
+[Taking High Blood Pressure Drugs Properly](http://www.webmd.com/hypertension-high-blood-pressure/how-take-blood-pressure-medicine-properly-why-you-should)
+One of the goals when you take drugs for high blood pressure is to be sure the medication is working effectively. One step toward achieving this goal is to avoid some medications. What kinds of problems might other drugs cause? Some drugs can make blood pressure rise. If you have high blood pressure to begin with, it can rise to dangerous levels. Some medications may interact with blood pressure medicine. This can prevent either drug from working properly. Here are common types of medication...
+If you're like most people with high blood pressure, drugs are a major part of your plan to lower your blood pressure. Your doctor's goal is to find the right combination of high blood pressure medicines that accomplishes these goals: Lowers your high blood pressure to normal levels Is easy to take Has few or no side effects How can you work with your doctor to make sure your high blood pressure medicine is meeting these goals? Perhaps these 10 tips can help.
+[Read the High Blood Pressure and Drug Safety article > >](http://www.webmd.com/hypertension-high-blood-pressure/high-blood-pressure-medication-safety)
+[Read the Taking High Blood Pressure Drugs Properly article > >](http://www.webmd.com/hypertension-high-blood-pressure/how-take-blood-pressure-medicine-properly-why-you-should)
 **[Atherosclerosis](http://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/what-is-atherosclerosis):** the build-up of fatty deposits within the [arteries](http://www.webmd.com/heart/picture-of-the-arteries), eventually may cause a blockage of blood flow or stiffening of the artery walls.
 **Balloon [Angioplasty](http://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/guide/treatment-angioplasty-stents):** a procedure in which a small balloon at the tip of the catheter (see [cardiac catheterization](http://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/cardiac-catheterization)) is inflated while in an artery to stretch a narrowed artery opening and allow for increase blood flow.
 **Beta-Blockers:** one kind of medication used to treat [high blood pressure](http://www.webmd.com/hypertension-high-blood-pressure/ss/slideshow-hypertension-overview), chest pain, and [irregular heartbeat](http://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/guide/what-causes-heart-palpitations) and to help protect a person from [heart disease](http://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/default.htm). Beta-blockers work by blocking the effects of adrenaline in various parts of the body. Beta-blockers relieve stress on the [heart](http://www.webmd.com/heart/picture-of-the-heart) so that it requires less blood and oxygen. As a result, the [heart](http://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/rm-quiz-know-heart) doesn't have to work as hard and blood pressure is lowered.