follow -up to prevous post ing : Taking to much blood pressure medication

[kate38]

Hello again,
I was evaluated for renal artery stenosis, it was ok. I'm hypothyroid, on thyroid medication since 92, lab work done and thyroid levels are fine. I don't drink, smoke, or do any kind of illegal drugs. All symptoms listed on previous post were conveyed to the cardiologist I'm seeing. Was on Prednisone off and on, while being weened off Labetalol.I had highblood pressure readings before starting any asthma medication. With all the prescibed medication I'm recieving. I'm afraid to take anything else. I was told I have essential Hypertension.

With the information listed above, what else could be done?

The beta blockers seem to work best on keeping the blood pressure down. However I'm told people with asthma should not take them.
Q.How exactly do beta blockers cause problems for asthmatics?
  What is a similiar drug, that could be used in it's place?

I feel like my concerns are not being addressed.
Maybe I'm not asking enough questions or the right questions.
Q. Any suggestions on question I might ask or how to      
   approach him with my concerns.
  
Could you  please tell me how the following drugs work on reducing blood pressure?
Clonidine, Metoprolol, Diovan, Tiazac, Trametrene, HCTZ, Minoxidil
  
Thanks :> :>
Have a wonderful day

[Cleveland Clinic]

kate,

First, if you feel your concerns are not being addressed, seek another opinion.   You should have an heath alliance with your physician.  If this isn't the case seek another physician or opinion.  

Beta blockers can effect beta receptors in the lung causing more bronchoconstriciton ie..wheezing and obstruction  That said, some asthmatics take beta blockers without symptoms.  However, there probably are better first line drugs such as ACE inhibitors or diuretics that are better then betablockers.  

You should just ask your questions with no hesitation.  There should not be hesitation or concern.

Clonidine effects receptors in the brain that regulate the tone on your blood vessels.  

Metoprolol is a beta blocker that effects the receptors on the blood vessel that regulate tone.

valsartan(diovan) belongs to a class of meds called angiotensin II inhibitors, it works by blocking the action of a substance in the body that causes blood vessels to constrict.

diltiazem(tiazac) belongs to a class of medications called calcium channel blockers. These medications act by blocking channels in the muscle cell that cause the muscle to relax.

triamterene and HCTZ are diuretics, they lower blood pressure by causing the body to rid itself of excess fluids and sodium through urination.

minoxidil causes the blood vessels to relax to control blood pressure.

Guidelines supproted by the american heart association suggest that the first line agent for anyone with essential hypertension should be a diuretic. They are the most effective drug with the least side effects. they are also cheapest. If a second drug is to be added an ACE inhibitor (lisinopril, ramipril) should be the next agent in my personal bias.

good luck

[kate38]

Thank you, I feel i have been provided more information concerning this medical issue. From you,your associate and comments posted. Then I have from the dr I'm seeing.  

This is a great forum and you all do a wonderful job of explaining things.
Thanks Again!!!
:):)~~~~~