Blood Pressure Medications

There are many over-the-counter drugs available for controlling high or low blood pressure, but its best to consult a physician before taking any medication to avoid complications.

Angiotensin II is a hormone that causes blood vessels to constrict. Drugs such as angiotensin can block this hormone and cause blood vessels to relax.

Nerve impulses might also cause the flow of blood to slow and blood pressure to increase. These impulses can be slowed with alpha-blockers, alpha-beta-blockers, and beta-blockers. Beta-blockers also reduce the heartbeat and blood flow to control blood pressure. The nervous system inhibitors, Vasodilators are used when blood vessels are to be opened directly.

If calcium enters invades heart muscles or blood vessels, arteries constrict, calling for the use of calcium channel blockers or the drug Minoxidil.

Another reason for increased blood pressure is excess water and minerals such as sodium in the kidney. Diuretics or diuretic preparations like indapamide can control these.

Peripheral artery walls can be relaxed using hydralazine.

And some drugs such as methyldopa and moxonidine can be helpful in stimulating the alpha-receptors in the brain to relax blood vessels.

High blood pressure has a variety of causes and should be properly diagnosed and prescribed for by a physician. It is important to remember that high or low blood pressure is an indicator that the heart is working too hard, or that the heart is not experiencing enough resistance. The imbalance should be restored with a combination of proper diet, aerobic exercise, and, if necessary, blood pressure medications.

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What is arthritis?

Arthritis is an inflammatory disease of the joints and other parts of the body. Arthritis is actually more than 100 different diseases and affects one out of every 7 people of all ages. People with arthritis experience pain and loss of movement and function. Arthritis can be very disabling and is a lifelong disease, but can go into remission. Each type of arthritis is different and has a different cause.
Literally means joint inflammation. Can be used to indicate a group of more than 100 rheumatic diseases. These diseases affect not only the joints but also other connective tissues of the body, including important supporting structures such as muscles, tendons, and ligaments, as well as the protective covering of internal organs.
Inflammation of a joint. An increase in the amount of synovial fluid in the joint is a result of this inflammation. Accumulation of synovial fluid in the fetlock joint is called a "wind puff" or "wind gall." In young horses, a swelling in the fetlock joint, particularly on the front of the joint where the cannon and long pastern bones meet, is called a "green osselet." This swelling is a result of inflammation and reactive changes of the front edges of these two bones and adjacent cartilage.