Antihypertensive therapy. Current issues and challenges.
Choosing antihypertensive agents that protect patients against cardiovascular and other complications is a growing trend in the treatment of mild to moderate hypertension. Calcium channel blockers and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors are favored because they have neutral or positive effects on lipid levels and insulin resistance. The alpha 1 blockers, especially doxazosin mesylate (Cardura), are enjoying a resurgence in popularity because they have a beneficial effect on lipid levels. In terms of preserving patients' quality of life, the ACE inhibitors in particular have been shown to have a positive impact. It has been shown that systolic hypertension in elderly patients should definitely be treated, but the most appropriate agent has yet to be defined. Therapy should be tailored to the individual. The following questions should be considered when choosing an antihypertensive agent: (1) What are its side effects (especially metabolic ones)? (2) Does it require only once- or twice-a-day dosing? (3) Does it cause regression of left ventricular hypertrophy? (4) Does it prevent death from coronary artery disease? (5) How will it affect quality of life? (6) How much does it cost? The goal of therapy should be to provide adequate blood pressure control throughout the day, enhance compliance, and protect the heart, brain, and kidneys without adversely affecting metabolic state.
University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine 64108-2792.
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D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists / Q000494:pharmacology; D000368:Aged; D000806:Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors / Q000494:pharmacology; D000959:Antihypertensive Agents / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001581:Benzothiadiazines; D003327:Coronary Disease / Q000517:prevention & control; D004232:Diuretics; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000523:psychology; D007333:Insulin Resistance; D050356:Lipid Metabolism; D008055:Lipids / Q000097:blood; D011788:Quality of Life; D012307:Risk Factors; D049993:Sodium Chloride Symporter Inhibitors / Q000494:pharmacology; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists; D000806:Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors; D000959:Antihypertensive Agents; D001581:Benzothiadiazines; D004232:Diuretics; D008055:Lipids; D049993:Sodium Chloride Symporter Inhibitors