title: Pharmacologic management of systemic hypertension in blacks.
abstract: This article contrasts the characteristics of essential hypertension found in the black population with that seen in the nonblack population. Socioeconomic and pathophysiologic factors are discussed. Different pharmacologic classes of drugs are compared for their effectiveness in treating the black hypertensive patient. Because black hypertensives tend to have salt-sensitive, low-renin hypertension coupled with decreased cardiac output and high peripheral vascular resistance, an ideal antihypertensive should have natriuretic effects but also the physiologic capability of reducing vascular resistance. Such an ideal hypertensive drug would be able to lower systemic blood pressure while improving organ perfusion and function.
authors.affiliation: Department of Internal Medicine, University of Maryland Hospital, Baltimore 21201.
authors.forename: M R
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: Weir
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Saunders
mesh_terms: D000806:Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000959:Antihypertensive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D044383:Black People; D002121:Calcium Channel Blockers / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004232:Diuretics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006439:Hemodynamics / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D013565:Sympatholytics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014665:Vasodilator Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D000806:Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors; D000959:Antihypertensive Agents; D002121:Calcium Channel Blockers; D004232:Diuretics; D013565:Sympatholytics; D014665:Vasodilator Agents