title: Step care therapy for hypertension in diabetic patients.
abstract: For diabetic patients, a goal blood pressure lower than 130/80-85 mm Hg is strongly supported by clinical trial results. We review the agents, sequence, and dosing used in clinical trials and propose a treatment algorithm. Multiagent antihypertensive therapy is required to attain goal blood pressure in most patients. Step sequences to obtain this goal are suggested. In general, we favor initial therapy with an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor, followed by the addition of a diuretic. The presence of comorbid conditions may dictate variation from this scheme. The effect of antihypertensive agents on established cardiovascular diseases, proteinuria, renal function, and metabolic factors is discussed. Tailored recommendations for specific clinical scenarios are described.
authors.affiliation: Division of Cardiovascular Diseases and Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Fla. 32224, USA. blackshear.joseph@mayo.edu
authors.forename: J L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Blackshear
authors.forename: G L
authors.initials: GL
authors.lastname: Schwartz
mesh_terms: D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000465:Algorithms; D000806:Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000959:Antihypertensive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002121:Calcium Channel Blockers / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002985:Clinical Protocols; D015897:Comorbidity; D003663:Decision Trees; D048909:Diabetes Complications; D004232:Diuretics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D018579:Patient Selection; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D012307:Risk Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists; D000806:Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors; D000959:Antihypertensive Agents; D002121:Calcium Channel Blockers; D004232:Diuretics