Almost every third adult in Germany has high blood pressure – that is, the systolic value is over 140 and the diastolic value is over 90 (140/90 mmHg). The disease is treacherous: it does not cause any symptoms for a long time, but over time it can cause serious damage to blood vessels and organs. Possible consequences include heart attack, stroke, heart failure and kidney failure. High blood pressure is therefore also called the “silent killer”.
Stiftung Warentest tested 66 frequently prescribed blood pressure lowering drugs that are available on prescription. All are suitable – but not for everyone. This is due to the different modes of action, factors such as age, blood pressure, comorbidities – and interactions with other medications. We say which active ingredient is suitable for whom, what needs to be taken into account when using it – and when you should stay away from certain products.
Why the blood pressure lowering test is worth it for you
Testergebnisse
Our table shows ratings from Stiftung Warentest for 66 commonly prescribed oral blood pressure lowering medications. All evaluated means are suitable in certain cases. You can filter the table according to various criteria – for example by active ingredient or by medication that is suitable for pregnant women or children.
The best high blood pressure medication for you
You will find out which medications are suitable for uncomplicated high blood pressure as well as typical co-morbidities such as heart failure, coronary heart disease, diabetes or kidney disease. For each active ingredient, we describe which side effects and interactions with other medicines are possible – and what to do if in doubt.
Magazine article as PDF
After activation, you will receive the magazine article from test 11/23 for download.
Antihypertensive drugs in the test Unlock test results for 66 medications for high blood pressure
In the test: 66 medications for high blood pressure
The There is no best drug for high blood pressure – and therefore no test winner. Depending on the patient, different remedies are suitable. The following active ingredients or combinations of active ingredients are contained in the blood pressure medications we evaluate:
ACE-Hemmer: Benazepril, Captopril, Enalapril, Lisinopril, Ramipril
Sartan: Candesartan, Eprosartan, Irbesartan, Losartan, Telmisartan, Valsartan
Kalziumantagonisten: Amlodipine, Diltiazem, Felodipine, Lercanidipine, Nifedipine, Nitrendipine, Verapamil
Diuretics: Chlortalidon, Furosemid, Hydrochlorothiazid, Indapamid, Spironolacton, Torasemid, Xipamid
Betablocker: Atenolol, Bisoprolol, Carvedilol, Metoprolol, Nebivolol
Alpha-2 agonists: Methyldopa
When selecting active ingredients, doctors take comorbidities into account – just as we do in our evaluations. It also plays a role how old the person being treated is and whether they are pregnant.
Side effects are possible with all active ingredients
In order for blood pressure lowering drugs to develop their beneficial effects, they must be taken daily. If you think you have difficulty tolerating blood pressure tablets, you should discuss this with your doctor. Adjusting the dose or changing the active ingredient often helps. Typical side effects such as dizziness or tiredness occur especially at the beginning of treatment. Because the body first has to get used to the fact that the pressure drops. You will find out the details about the side effects and interactions of all active ingredients after the test results have been activated.
Tipp: There is a lot you can do yourself to support the therapy. From low-salt eating to relaxation methods to strength training, many things have been proven to help lower blood pressure (see tips).
Measuring blood pressure makes sense
The fact that blood pressure is too high is often noticed during a routine examination. Sometimes measurements at home also show that something is wrong. Values above 135/85 mmHg should definitely be checked by a doctor. If you then have to take medication, you should also have a blood pressure monitor at home. This allows the success of the therapy to be continuously monitored.
Tipp: Our test of blood pressure monitors shows which devices are recommended, how to measure correctly and how to classify your blood pressure correctly.
So we checked the blood pressure medication
Experts have evaluated the study situation on frequently prescribed blood pressure lowering drugs for Stiftung Warentest. They checked whether there were any meaningful studies on the respective medications, how effective they were and whether the benefits outweighed the risks. The procedure is based on the rules of evidence-based medicine. You can find out how we evaluate medicines in detail in the special How Stiftung Warentest evaluates medicines.
Tipp: Stiftung Warentest regularly tests medications, from prostate enlargement remedies to sedatives to antibiotics and antidepressants. The Medications topic page provides an overview.