What are the 10 common types of high blood pressure (hypertension) medications?

There are a number of types and classes of drugs available for managing and treating high blood pressure (hypertension). Your doctor or other health care professional will prescribe a medication that fits your specific needs based on your medical condition, and any other existing health problems you may have, for example, kidney disease, heart disease, or diabetes. Your doctor also may recommend other therapies and lifestyle changes like getting more exercise, managing stress, and eating a healthy diet.
This information will provide a list of high blood pressure medication generic and brand names, their uses (treatment, management, or prevention of health problems, how they work (mechanism of action), and common side effects. Here are the 10 types of high blood pressure medications include:
- Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors - Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors are blood pressure medications that inhibit the activity of the enzyme angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE), which is important for controlling blood pressure.
- Angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) - Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) are medications used to treat elevated blood pressure or hypertension.
- Beta-blockers - By blocking the effect of norepinephrine and epinephrine, beta blockers reduce blood pressure by dilating blood vessels and heart rate.
- Calcium channel blockers (CCBs) - CCBs inhibit the movement of calcium into muscle cells. The reduction in calcium reduces the force of the heart's muscular pumping action (cardiac contraction) and thereby reduces blood pressure.
- Diuretics - Diuretics are among the oldest known medications for treating high blood pressure.
- Alpha-blockers - Alpha-blockers relax the muscles and lower blood pressure.
- Alpha-beta blockers - Alpha-beta blockers work the same way as alpha-blockers but also slow the heartbeat as beta-blockers do.
- Clonidine - Clonidine (Catapres, Catpres-TTS) is an inhibitor of the nervous system in the brain.
- Aliskiren (Tekturna) - Aliskiren blocks the effects of renin and angiotensin so that blood pressure does not increase.
- Minoxidil - Minoxidil is a vasodilator. Vasodilators are muscle relaxants that work directly on the muscles surrounding the arteries throughout the body.
Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors
Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors are blood pressure medications that inhibit the activity of the enzyme angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE), which is important for controlling blood pressure.
Angiotensin II is a very potent chemical formed in the blood by ACE from, angiotensin I. When formed, angiotensin II causes the muscles surrounding blood vessels to contract, thus narrowing the vessels and increasing blood pressure.
ACE inhibitors are medications that inhibit the activity of ACE which decreases the production of angiotensin II. As a result, these medications cause the blood vessels to enlarge or dilate, and this reduces blood pressure. This lower blood pressure makes it easier for the heart to pump blood and can improve the function of a failing heart. In addition, the progression of kidney disease due to high blood pressure or diabetes is slowed.
Common side effects of this ACE inhibitors
- Cough
- Low blood pressure (hypotension)
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Increased blood potassium levels
This list is not does not include all side effects or adverse events for ACE inhibitors.
This class of medicine also are used for other health conditions, for example:
- Prevention and treatment of diabetes and kidney disease
- Heart failure
Examples of generic and brand names available for ACE inhibitors
- enalapril (Vasotec)
- captopril (Capoten)
- lisinopril (Zestril and Prinivil)
- benazepril (Lotensin)
- quinapril (Accupril)
- perindopril (Aceon)
- ramipril (Altace)
- trandolapril (Mavik)
- fosinopril (Monopril)
- moexipril (Univasc)

QUESTION
Salt and sodium are the same. See AnswerAngiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs)
Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) are medications used to treat elevated blood pressure, or hypertension. These medications that block the action of angiotensin II by preventing angiotensin II from binding to angiotensin II receptors on the muscles surrounding blood vessels.
As a result, blood vessels enlarge (dilate), and blood pressure is reduced. Reduced blood pressure makes it easier for the heart to pump blood and can improve heart failure. In addition, the progression of kidney disease due to high blood pressure or diabetes is slowed. ARBs have effects similar to ACE inhibitors, but ACE inhibitors act by preventing the formation of angiotensin II rather than by blocking the binding of angiotensin II to muscles on blood vessels.
Common side effects of ARBs
- Cough
- Low blood pressure (Hypotension)
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Increased blood potassium levels
- Indigestion
- Diarrhea
This list is not does not include all side effects or adverse events for ARBs.
This class of medicine also are used for other health conditions, for example:
- Prevention and treatment of diabetes kidney disease
- Heart failure
Examples of generic and brand names available for ARBs
- losartan (Cozaar)
- irbesartan (Avapro)
- valsartan (Diovan)
- candesartan (Atacand)
- olmesartan (Benicar)
- telmisartan (Micardis)
- eprosartan (Teveten)
- azilsartan (Edarbi)
Beta-blockers
Beta blockers are medications that block norepinephrine and epinephrine (adrenaline) from binding to both beta 1 and beta 2 receptors on organs and muscles, including the muscles surrounding blood vessels that cause the blood vessels to narrow and the heart to beat. By blocking the effect of norepinephrine and epinephrine, beta blockers reduce blood pressure by dilating blood vessels and reducing heart rate. They also may constrict air passages because stimulation of beta receptors in the lung cause the muscles that surround the air passages to contract.
Common side effects of beta blockers
This list is not does not include all side effects or adverse events for beta blockers.
This class of medicine also are used for other health conditions, for example:
- Heart failure
- Chest pain (angina)
- Hyperthyroidism
- Fast heart rate
- Migraine
Examples of brand and generic names available for beta blockers
- acebutolol (Sectral)
- atenolol (Tenormin)
- betaxolol (Kerlone has been discontinued)
- bisoprolol fumarate (Zebeta)
- carteolol (Cartrol, discontinued)
- carvedilol (Coreg)
- esmolol (Brevibloc)
- labetalol (Trandate [Normodyne - discontinued])
- metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol XL)
- nadolol (Corgard)
- nebivolol (Bystolic)
- penbutolol (Levatol has been discontinued)
- pindolol (Visken, discontinued)
- propranolol (Hemangeol, Inderal LA Inderal XL, InnoPran XL)
- timolol (Blocadren, discontinued)
Calcium channel blockers (CCBs)
Calcium is needed by all muscle cells, including those of the heart and muscles and surrounding arteries, in order for the cells to contract. CCBs inhibit the movement of calcium into muscle cells. The reduction in calcium reduces the force of the heart's muscular pumping action (cardiac contraction) and thereby reduces blood pressure. These medications also relax the muscle cells surrounding the arteries to further reduce blood pressure.
Three major types of calcium channel blockers are available. One type is the dihydropyridines, which do not slow the heart rate or cause other abnormal heart rates or rhythms (cardiac arrhythmias). They are commonly used for treating high blood pressure and are very effective in reducing blood pressure in African Americans.
Common side effects of CCBs
- Water retention in the arm and legs (peripheral edema)
- Constipation
- Shortness of breath
- Rash
- Headache
This list is not does not include all side effects or adverse events for CCBs.
This class of medicine also are used for other health conditions, for example:- Migraine headache prevention
- Chest pain (angina)
- Abnormal heart beats
- Essential tremor
- Pheochromocytoma
- Hypertrophic subaortic stenosis
- Portal hypertension
Examples of brand and generic names available for CCBs
- amlodipine (Norvasc)
- amlodipine and atorvastatin (Caduet)
- amlodipine and benazepril (Lotrel)
- amlodipine and valsartan (Exforge)
- amlodipine and telmisartan (Twynsta)
- amlodipine and olmesartan (Azor)
- amlodipine and olmesartan and hydrochlorothiazide (Tribenzor)
- amlodipine and aliskiren (Tekamlo has been discontinued in the US)
- amlodipine and aliskiren and hydrochlorothiazide (Amturnide has been discontinued in the US)
- amlodipine and perindopril (Prestalia)
- clevidipine (Cleviprex)
- diltiazem (Cardizem)
- felodipine (Plendil has been discontinued in the US)
- isradipine (Dynacirc has been discontinued in the US)
- nifedipine (Procardia, Procardia XL, Adalat CC, Afeditab)
- nicardipine (Cardene, Cardene SR)
- nimodipine (Nimotop has been discontinued in the US)
- nisoldipine (Sular)
- verapamil (Calan)
The other two types of CCBs are referred to as the non-dihydropyridine agents. One type is verapamil (Calan, Covera, Isoptin, Verelan) and the other is diltiazem (Cardizem, Tiazac, Dilacor, and Diltia).
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Diuretics
Diuretics are among the oldest known medications for treating high blood pressure. They work in the tiny tubes (tubules) of the kidneys to promote the removal of salt from the body. Water (fluid) also is removed along with the salt; however, the exact mechanism whereby diuretics lower blood pressure is not clearly known. The leading theory is that they directly cause the muscles surrounding blood vessels to relax. Diuretics may be used alone for high blood pressure. More frequently, however, low doses of diuretics are used in combination with other medications for high blood pressure to enhance the effect of the other medications.
Common side effects of diruetics
- Dehydration
- Low blood potassium
- Low blood pressure
- Fatigue
- Increased blood glucose
- Increased level of uric acid
This list is not does not include all side effects or adverse events for diuretics.
This class of medicine also are used for other health conditions, for example:
- Congestive heart failure
- Peripheral edema
- Pulmonary edema
- High potassium blood levels
Most commonly used diuretics to treat hypertension
- hydrochlorothiazide (Hydrodiuril)
- chlorthalidone
- The loop diuretics furosemide (Lasix), bumetanide (Bumex), and torsemide (Demadex)
- The combination of triamterene and hydrochlorothiazide (Dyazide)
- metolazone (Zaroxolyn)
The thiazide drugs are related to sulfa drugs. For those individuals who are allergic to sulfa drugs, ethacrynic acid, a loop diuretic, is a good option. Diuretics probably should not be used in pregnant women.
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Alpha-blockers
Muscles surrounding blood vessels have alpha receptors. Stimulation of alpha receptors, like stimulation of beta receptors, cause the muscles surrounding the arteries to contract and narrow the arteries. By blocking the alpha receptor, alpha-blockers relax the muscles and lower blood pressure.
Common side effects of alpha blockers
Examples of generic and brand names available for alpha blockers
This list is not does not include all side effects or adverse events for alpha blockers.
Alpha blockers also are used for treating a health problem called benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH).
Alpha-beta blockers
Alpha-beta blockers work the same way as alpha-blockers but also slow the heartbeat as beta-blockers do. As a result, less blood is pumped through the vessels, vessels dilate and blood pressure is lowered.
Common side effects of alpha blockers
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Slow heart rate
- Shortness of breath
- Weight gain
- Low blood pressure
This list is not does not include all side effects or adverse events for these medications.
This class of medicine also are used for other health conditions, for example:
- Heart failure
- Heart attack prevention
Examples of brand and generic names available for alpha blockers
- carvedilol (Coreg), and
- labetalol (Trandate). Normodyne is discontinued brand in the US.
Clonidine
Clonidine (Catapres, Catpres-TTS) is an inhibitor of the nervous system in the brain. These inhibitors of the nervous system act by binding to receptors on nerves in the brain to reduce the transmission of messages from the nerves in the brain to nerves in other areas of the body. By inhibiting transmission to nerves outside of the brain that innervate muscle cells of the heart and blood vessels, heart rate and blood pressure are reduced.
Common side effects
- Low blood pressure
- Drowsiness
- Headache
- Withdrawal symptoms
This list is not does not include all side effects or adverse events for Clonidine.
This class of medicine also are used for other health conditions, for example:
- Cancer pain
- Restless syndrome
- Tourette's syndrome
- Opioid withdrawal
- Postherpetic neuralgia
- Smoking cessation
Aliskiren (Tekturna)
The kidneys produce renin when they detect low blood pressure. Renin stimulates the production of angiotensin I, a protein which is converted to angiotensin II by angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) in the lungs. Angiotensin II is a powerful constrictor of blood vessels, and constricting blood vessels increases blood pressure. Angiotensin II also causes the secretion of an additional blood pressure elevating hormone in the adrenal glands called aldosterone, which helps the body retain sodium. Aliskiren blocks the effects of renin and angiotensin so that blood pressure does not increase.
Common side effects
- Diarrhea
- Increased blood levels of potassium
- Abnormal kidney function test results
Minoxidil
Minoxidil is a vasodilator. Vasodilators are muscle relaxants that work directly on the muscles surrounding the arteries throughout the body. The arteries then dilate and blood pressure is reduced.
Common side effects
- Edema
- Increased heart rate
- Weight gain
- Headache
This list is not does not include all side effects or adverse events for Minoxidil.
Other uses
- Male baldness (topical foam and solution)
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What Causes High Blood Pressure in Children?
Research states that kidney disease is the main cause of high blood pressure in children; however, here are the other potential causes of hypertension in kids.
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How Does High Blood Pressure Affect Pregnancy?
High blood pressure during pregnancy can cause serious complications. Learn more about the signs of and risks associated with the condition.
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What Is the Proper Way to Take Your Blood Pressure?
Nowadays, you can easily measure your blood pressure at home using an automated blood pressure machine or sphygmomanometer. Here’s how to do it step-by-step to make sure you’re doing it the right way.

QUESTION
Salt and sodium are the same. See AnswerTreatment & Diagnosis
- High Blood Pressure FAQs
- Heart Disease FAQs
- Kidney Disease FAQs
- High Blood Pressure Symptoms
- Blood Pressure Guidelines
- High Blood Pressure: Questions To Ask Your Doctor
- Inherited High Blood Pressure in a Teenager
- Heart Attack Prevention From a Doctor's Perspective
- Blood Pressure - Low-Fat Diet, Fruits & Veggies!
- ARBs & ACE Inhibitors...Powerful Blood Pressure Treatment
- ARBs and ACE Inhibitors..Hidden Benefits
- Hypertension In The Elderly - Deserves More Attention
- Salt, DASH, High Blood Pressure
- High Blood Pressure and Exercise
- Are Home Blood Pressure Readings Reliable?
- Can Blood Pressure Make Gout Worse?
- Does Blood Pressure Change Depending on Your Position?
- Can I Still Get Heart Disease if I Take Blood Pressure Medication?
- Does Menopause Cause High Blood Pressure?
- Can I Lift Weights with High Blood Pressure?
- Can Stress Cause Low Blood Pressure?
- Can I Still Exercise With Low Blood Pressure?
- Pain Relievers and High Blood Pressure
- Lowering Blood Pressure: It's a 2-Step Process
- High Blood Pressure: Improve Your Lifestyle
- Blood Pressure Elevation Established as Risk for Kidney Failure
Medications & Supplements
- ACE Inhibitors
- Beta Blockers
- Vasodilators
- labetalol
- furosemide
- losartan
- lisinopril (Zestril, Prinivil, Qbrelis) ACE Inhibitor
- Thiazides (Diuretics)
- terazosin (Hytrin)
- hydrochlorothiazide
- amlodipine besylate
- clonidine
- Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers (ARBs)
- valsartan, Diovan
- propranolol, Inderal, Inderal LA, Innopran XL
- metoprolol
- carvedilol
- diltiazem (Cardizem, Cardizem CD, Cardizem LA, Tiazac, Cartia XT, Diltzac, Dilt-CD, and several oth)
- hawthorn
- ramipril (Altace)
- candesartan cilexetil, Atacand
- trandolapril (Mavik)
- hydralazine (Apresoline)
- Calcium Channel Blockers (CCBs)
- Side Effects of Cozaar (losartan)
- telmisartan, Micardis
- benazepril (Lotensin HTC)
- triamterene and hydrochlorothiazide
- captopril (Capoten)
- prazosin (Minipress)
- midodrine
- anamu
- irbesartan (Avapro)
- atenolol
- nifedipine (Procardia, Adalat, Afeditab)
- bisoprolol (Zebeta)
- enalapril (Vasotec, Epaned)
- verapamil (Calan, Verelan, Verelan PM [Discontinued: Isoptin, Isoptin SR, Covera-HS])
- phenylephrine
- Side Effects of Atacand (candesartan)
- lemon balm
- guanfacine
- Side Effects of Coreg (carvedilol)
- valsartan/hydrochlorothiazide (Diovan HCT)
- timolol ophthalmic solution (Timoptic)
- nicardipine, Cardene, Cardene SR
- felodipine (Plendil)
- quinapril (Accupril)
- metolazone (Zaroxolyn)
- Lotrel (amlodipine and benazepril)
- eplerenone
- amlodipine and valsartan (Exforge)
- nadolol (Corgard)
- Side Effects of Avapro (irbesartan)
- trimagnesium citrate anhydrous
- prazosin
- amlodipine/atorvastatin - oral, Caduet
- Ziac (bisoprolol and hydrochlorothiazide) Side Effects, Warnings, and Drug Interactions
- Sectral (acebutolol)
- chlorella
- nisoldipine (Sular)
- Side Effects of Vasotec (enalapril)
- Benicar (olmesartan medoxomil)
- betaxolol, Kerlone (Discontinued Brand)
- Side Effects of Capoten (captopril)
- Side Effects of Microzide (hydrochlorothiazide)
- Letairis (ambrisentan)
- Benicar HCT (olmesartan medoxomil-hydrochlorothiazide)
- Lumason (sulfur hexafluoride lipid-type A microspheres)
- Consensi (amlodipine and celecoxib)
- Tekturna HCT (hydrochlorothiazide and aliskiren)
- Side Effects of Vaseretic (enalapril/hydrochlorothiazide)
- Side Effects of Capozide (captopril and hydrochlorothiazide/HCTZ)
- Diovan HCT (valsartan/hydrochlorothiazide) Side Effects, Warnings, and Drug Interactions
Prevention & Wellness
- Where You Live May Impact How Likely You Are to Take Your Blood Pressure Meds
- Is There a Best Time of Day to Take Your Blood Pressure Pill?
- Battling Mom-to-Be's Preexisting High Blood Pressure Brings No Harm to Baby
- Could Common Blood Pressure Meds Help Curb Pancreatic Cancer?
- Feel Dizzy When You Stand Up? Two Simple Steps Might Ease That
- High Blood Pressure: Which Drug Works Best?
- Can Blood Pressure Meds Protect Against Dementia?
- Do Blood Pressure Meds Up Risk for COVID Patients?
- How to Keep High Blood Pressure at Bay
- Is There a Link Between Blood Pressure Meds and Cancer?
- Recommended Diuretic Drug Tied to Harmful Side Effects

Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
FDA Prescribing Information
Top High Blood Pressure Medication Related Articles
Heart Healthy Diet: 25 Foods You Should Eat
What foods are heart healthy? Learn what foods help protect your cardiovascular system from heart attack, coronary heart disease, stroke, and cardiovascular disease. Plus, find easy meal recipes and menu ideas for more everyday heart benefit.Blood Pressure Picture
The blood pressure is the pressure of the blood within the arteries. See a picture of Blood Pressure and learn more about the health topic.What Does it Mean When the Bottom Number of Your Blood Pressure is Over 100?
Diastolic blood pressure (DBP) is the pressure exerted on the walls of the arteries when the heart muscle relaxes between beats. When the bottom number of blood pressure (diastole) is over 100 mmHg, it may be called diastolic hypertension (DHT).Heart Disease
Heart disease (coronary artery disease) occurs when plaque builds up in the coronary arteries, the vessels that supply blood to the heart. Heart disease can lead to heart attack. Risk factors for heart disease include:
- Smoking
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Diabetes
- Family history
- Obesity
Angina, shortness of breath, and sweating are just a few symptoms that may indicate a heart attack. Treatment of heart disease involves control of heart disease risk factors through lifestyle changes, medications, and/or stenting or bypass surgery. Heart disease can be prevented by controlling heart disease risk factors.
Heart Disease Slideshow
Heart disease prevention includes controlling risk factors like diet, exercise, and stress. Heart disease symptoms in women may differ from men. Use a heart disease risk calculator to determine your heart attack risk.Heart Disease Quiz
Take our Heart Disease Quiz to get answers and facts about high cholesterol, atherosclerosis prevention, and the causes, symptoms, treatments, testing, and procedures for medically broken hearts.High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)
High blood pressure (hypertension) is a disease in which pressure within the arteries of the body is elevated. About 75 million people in the US have hypertension (1 in 3 adults), and only half of them are able to manage it. Many people do not know that they have high blood pressure because it often has no has no warning signs or symptoms.
Systolic and diastolic are the two readings in which blood pressure is measured. The American College of Cardiology released new guidelines for high blood pressure in 2017. The guidelines now state that blood normal blood pressure is 120/80 mmHg. If either one of those numbers is higher, you have high blood pressure.
The American Academy of Cardiology defines high blood pressure slightly differently. The AAC considers 130/80 mm Hg. or greater (either number) stage 1 hypertension. Stage 2 hypertension is considered 140/90 mm Hg. or greater.
If you have high blood pressure you are at risk of developing life threatening diseases like stroke and heart attack.
REFERENCE: CDC. High Blood Pressure. Updated: Nov 13, 2017.
What Is High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)? Symptoms, Treatments
What causes high blood pressure (hypertension)? What is normal blood pressure? Know the warning signs and symptoms of high blood pressure. Read about high blood pressure medications, diet, and long-term treatments.HBP Quiz
Take this quiz and test your IQ of high blood pressure (hypertension), the cardiovascular disease that causes most strokes and heart attacks. How are dizziness, snoring, and gout related to HBP? Find the answer and learn how medical treatments and lifestyle adjustments fight this common problem.High Blood Pressure Treatment (Natural Home Remedies, Diet, Medications)
High blood pressure (hypertension) means high pressure (tension) in the arteries. Treatment for high blood pressure include lifestyle modifications (alcohol, smoking, coffee, salt, diet, exercise), drugs and medications such as ACE inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers, beta blockers, diuretics, calcium channel blockers (CCBs), alpha blockers, clonidine, minoxidil, and Exforge.How Can I Lower My Blood Pressure in Minutes?
Learn how to lower your high blood pressure quickly and how to better manage this condition.How Do You Check Your Blood Pressure With Your Fingers?
Most doctors recommend the use of a blood pressure machine to check blood pressure. An individual may check heart rate with their fingers, but not blood pressure.Is A Manual Blood Pressure More Accurate?
Manual blood pressure gives accurate results when used correctly by a trained person. However, manual blood pressure measurement is not the recommended type of blood pressure monitoring for home use because it requires some training.Kidney Disease Quiz
Kidney disease is common. Take this kidney disease quiz to test your knowledge and learn the symptoms, causes and types of kidney disease and what foods to eat and avoid!Low Blood Pressure (Hypotension)
Low blood pressure, also referred to as hypotension, is blood pressure that is so low that it causes symptoms or signs due to the low flow of blood through the arteries and veins. Some of the symptoms of low blood pressure include light-headedness, dizziness, and fainting if not enough blood is getting to the brain. Diseases and medications can also cause low blood pressure. When the flow of blood is too low to deliver enough oxygen and nutrients to vital organs such as the brain, heart, and kidneys; the organs do not function normally and may be permanently damaged.How to Lower Blood Pressure: Exercise Tips
Trying to lower high blood pressure (hypertension)? Discover exercises good for lowering blood pressure, along with other lifestyle changes and medications to prevent high blood pressure.Parathyroidectomy Surgery
Parathyroidectomy is the removal of one or more of the parathyroid glands to treat hyperparathyroidism. Risks of parathyroidectomy include:- paralysis of the vocal cords,
- difficulty swallowing thin liquids,
- difficulty breathing,
- and drug reactions.
- damage to the recurrent laryngeal nerve,
- bleeding or hematoma,
- problems maintaining calcium levels in the blood,
- need for further and more aggressive surgery,
- need for a limited or total thyroidectomy,
- prolonged pain,
- impaired healing,
- and recurrence of the tumor.
What Does it Mean When the Diastolic Number is High?
A high diastolic reading (equal to or greater than 120 mmHg) is linked to a higher risk of disease involving the large artery called the aorta that carries blood and oxygen from the heart to distant body parts. People with an elevated diastolic reading are more prone to develop an abdominal aortic aneurysm (ballooning in the lining of the aorta).