Alpha Blockers are a kind of medication often used in the treatment of high blood pressure and are usually used in combination with other medicines. Alpha blockers are common amongst many patients as they have a diverse area of treatment, some of which are:
- Peripheral artery disease (poor blood circulation to the legs)
- Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy (inflamed prostate)
- Pheochromocytoma (kind of hormone secreting tumor)
Although several other medications are used on trial basis before the consideration of alpha blockers, it is quite a significant treatment alternative for many patients.
How do they work?
Alpha Blockers or alpha adrenergic blocking agents work by obstructing the chemical message transfer to a specific body part. They block certain target known as alpha receptors, found in the blood vessels within baroreceptors and in the prostate. In the treatment of high blood pressure, Alpha Blockers relaxes and smoothes the muscles on the blood vessel walls. This allows the blood vessels to dilate (widen), thus lowering blood pressure. The increase in diameter of blood vessels is also called “vasodilation”.
Like all drugs, Alpha Blockers also has some side effects:
- Low blood pressure
- Dizziness
- Fainting
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