EPCC Pharmacology 2.pdf

2024 OVERVIEW OF HYPERTENSION and its treatment (includes the most recent changes) I. BLOOD PRESSURE CATEGORIES We no longer use age as the main determining factor for starting treatment for high blood pressure. Note that what used to be a normal blood pressure is now considered to be a high blood p...

2024 OVERVIEW OF HYPERTENSION and its treatment (includes the most recent changes) I. BLOOD PRESSURE CATEGORIES We no longer use age as the main determining factor for starting treatment for high blood pressure. Note that what used to be a normal blood pressure is now considered to be a high blood pressure. Initial treatment is still usually a thiazide diuretic or calcium channel blocker, ACE inhibitor or ARB. If the target BP is not reached within about a month of initial therapy, sometimes the dose of the initial drug will be increased and sometimes a second drug will be added. II. TYPES OF HYPERTENSION Primary or essential hypertension (90 – 95%)—no identifiable cause, but factors such as obesity, high alcohol intake, insulin resistance, high salt intake, aging, sedentary lifestyle and stress are involved. May have no symptoms, but if not treated BP risesfor the rest of your life. Secondary (10%)—when cause is known such as renal or central nervous system disorders III. CONSEQUENCES OF HYPERTENSION End result is an increase in morbidity and mortality, heart disease (MI, HF, and angina), kidney disease, and stroke. Sometimes the elevated BP is not detected until then.