17 Nov Busted: A Myth about High Blood Pressure Medicine
Some of the patients who come to LT Men’s Clinic for testosterone treatments also have high blood pressure. When this happens, we take our time to explain their options in managing high blood pressure. “What are the side effects of high blood pressure medication?” they ask.
Medication with a Side of Side Effects
Medications for high blood pressure (HBP) have a bad reputation because of their supposed side effects, but the truth is that most people don’t experience those side effects. Every medication has potential side effects, and HBP medications are no different. That being said, everyone is affected by certain medications differently, and there are a lot of people out there who won’t notice any side effects at all.
One of the most common myths out there is that HBP medicine causes erectile dysfunction. Today, we’re diving into the topic and setting the record straight.
True or False: HBP Meds Causes Erectile Dysfunction
This myth is false, and that’s because it only tells part of the story.
When it comes to HBP medications, there are several different categories of drugs, and each category addresses the issue of high blood pressure differently. For example, diuretics (i.e., water pills) work by increasing the amount of salt and water in your urine, thereby decreasing the amount of fluid flowing through your blood vessels, which in turn decreases your blood pressure. Then you have beta blockers which work by slowing down your heartbeat and opening up your blood vessels. You also have angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors which prevent your body from producing a specific hormone that makes your blood vessels tighten.
So Where Did the Myth Come From?
Some medications, like diuretics and beta blockers, are more likely to affect erectile function because of the way they address high blood pressure. Since these two categories of HBP medications are among the more common ones out there, all HBP medicine is thought to cause erectile dysfunction, and that’s not true. Talk to your health care provider to find out what your options are, and let them know if you have any concerns about possible side effects.
If you have high blood pressure, schedule an appointment at LT Men’s Clinic today to talk about your options. If we determine that a change in diet and exercise aren’t enough to lower your blood pressure, we’ll help you figure out which medication is best for you and your lifestyle and answer any questions you may have. Give us a call today!
Sources:
http://www.webmd.com/erectile-dysfunction/guide/blood-pressure-medication-and-ed