Risk-benefit of specific antihypertensive regimens: relevance of metabolic and haemodynamic effects of alpha 1-blockers.
1. Existing strategies for the control of high blood pressure have had a disappointing impact on coronary heart disease--the major cause of death in hypertension. 2. There is a need for more work to identify the relationship between blood pressure, atheroma and other risk factors. 3. A more aggressive approach to treatment may be indicated, especially in high risk groups. 4. In addition to treatment of blood pressure, other major risk factors (lipids and smoking) must be tackled. 5. Alternative treatment regimens with different mechanisms of action and/or effects on lipids should be evaluated in practice. 6. Selective alpha 1-blockers have potential haemodynamic advantages, improve the lipid profile and are well tolerated as first or second line therapy.
Reid
J L
JL
University Department of Materia Medica, Stobhill General Hospital, Glasgow, Scotland.
Curzio
J
J
Elliott
H L
HL
D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000959:Antihypertensive Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003327:Coronary Disease / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006439:Hemodynamics / Q000187:drug effects*; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D012307:Risk Factors
D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists; D000959:Antihypertensive Agents