The removal of excess water decreases blood volume. The removal of excess salt helps to flush sodium from the walls of the blood vessels, allowing the blood vessels to dilate. Beta blockers slow heart rate and decrease force of contraction of the heart. Alpha blockers dilate blood vessels. Alpha-beta blockers relax blood vessels and slow heart rate.
Sympathetic nerves carry electrical impulses from the brain to all parts of the body.
Sympathetic nerve inhibitors prevent sympathetic nerves from signaling arteries to constrict. Calcium channel blockers prevent calcium from flowing into heart muscle cells and muscle cells of the blood vessel walls, resulting in slowing of heart rate and relaxation of blood vessels. Antihypertensives, like any medication, can have side effects. If a health care provider prescribes antihypertensives, pay attention to how you feel, and report any problems to your healthcare provider. As with any medication, interactions between antihypertensives and other drugs can occur.