Valsartan and hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) is a prescription medication used to treat high blood pressure. This medication is a combination of two active ingredients, valsartan and hydrochlorothiazide. Valsartan is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (which relaxes blood vessels) and hydrochlorothiazide is a diuretic (which helps the body to get rid of excess salt and water).
High blood pressure is a dangerous – potentially fatal – condition in which the heart is met with too much resistance from blocked or narrowed arteries as it tries to pump blood and oxygen around your body. When not treated, high blood pressure can lead to an array of serious health issues including heart attack, heart failure, stroke, and many more complications. Nearly half of Americans have high blood pressure, and heart disease is the leading cause of death of people in the United States.