Daily Dose: Hypertension Medication

A viewer currently taking Lisinopril is asking Dr. Lacy Anderson what medication a doctor would choose for hypertension in today's Daily Dose.

There are a lot of choices when it comes to medications for hypertension or high blood pressure.

Anderson said Lisinopril is one of her favorite blood pressure medications and she often chooses blood pressure medications based on side effects.

"It’s inexpensive and helps protect kidney function, so it’s a good choice for patients with diabetes. It can cause a dry cough in some people, so that can cause us to make a medication change for those with that side effect," Anderson said.

She said Lisinopril is an ACE inhibitor that relaxes the blood vessels and that medications like losartan work similarly and also help protect the kidneys.

"Beta-blockers lower blood pressure by slowing the heart rate. This can be a great option for people with anxiety or heart palpitations and arrhythmias. Diuretics like hydrochlorothiazide lower blood pressure by increasing urination and lowering the blood volume," Anderson said.

Anderson says that is a great option for patients who have swelling in their legs, but it can increase the risk of dehydration and gout.

"I choose medication for patients based on each individual person and don’t feel that there is one best medication for everyone, but your doctor can help you choose which one may be the best for you," Anderson said.

If you have a question for Dr. Lacy Anderson, call the hotline at 841-9999 or e-mail dailydose@news9.net