Vasodilators are medications that open (dilate) blood vessels. They affect the muscles in the walls of the arteries and veins, preventing the muscles from tightening and the walls from narrowing.
Vasodilation caused by relaxation of smooth muscle cells in arteries causes an increase in blood flow. When blood vessels dilate, due to a decrease in vascular resistance the blood flow is increased. Therefore, dilation of arteries and arterioles leads to an immediate decrease in arterial blood pressure and heart rate.
Vasodilators are prescribed to prevent, treat or improve symptoms in a variety of conditions. They include:
- High blood pressure
- High blood pressure during pregnancy or childbirth (preeclampsia or eclampsia)
- Heart failure
- High blood pressure that affects the arteries in the lungs (pulmonary hypertension)
VASODIALATORS CAN BE OF MANY TYPES:
Medicines which act on the blood vessels internally and dilate the blood vessels.
Medicines which act on the nervous system and cause dilation of blood vessels by release of transmitters.
Medicines which directly act on the vessels and muscles surrounding the blood vessels causing dilation.
Besides medications, some foods are natural vasodilators like beetroot, garlic, turmeric, fish oil, kale, etc. that can be added to the diet to improve blood pressure
COMMON SIDE EFFECTS OBSERVED ARE:
- Hypotension
- Nausea &vomiting
- Abnormal heart beats
- Loss of muscle tone
- Frequent falls
- Dizziness
- Fainting spells
If you notice any of these side effects then please contact your doctor without delay.
