Choice of initial therapy for hypertension
Article Abstract:
The best drug to use initially to control hypertension will depend on the patient's age and race, the presence of other diseases and cost. Hypertension should not be diagnosed without careful monitoring of blood pressure, preferably multiple readings in a non-clinical setting. Most people with moderate hypertension can be treated with lifestyle changes such as weight reduction, exercise and a low-salt diet. If this is not successful, the drugs of first choice are diuretics and beta blockers. This is simply because these drugs have been studied for the longest time and have been shown to reduce mortality from cardiovascular disease. Most people with moderate hypertension will respond to one drug. If the initial drug fails to control blood pressure, a second drug can be added. The second-line treatments include alpha blockers, calcium channel blockers and ACE inhibitors. Treatment should be tailored to the individual, since different people will react differently to any drug.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1996
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Effect of treatment of isolated systolic hypertension on left ventricular mass
Article Abstract:
Treating isolated systolic hypertension (ISH) with the diuretic drug chlorthalidone may reduce the mass of the left ventricle. ISH occurs when systolic blood pressure is elevated but diastolic pressure is not. This can lead to an increase in the mass of the left ventricle of the heart, which is a serious abnormality. Researchers used echocardiography to measure left ventricular mass in 104 people with ISH taking chlorthalidone or a placebo. After three years of treatment, left ventricular mass had decreased in those taking chlorthalidone but had increased in those taking a placebo.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1998
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Selection of Antihypertensive Therapy for Patients With Hypertensive Renal Disease
Article Abstract:
Patients with hypertension and kidney disease should be treated with a diuretic and an ACE inhibitor. If necessary, a calcium channel blocker can be added to achieve blood pressure control.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 2001
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