Treatment of hypertension in patients with peripheral arterial disease: an update.
Hypertension is a known risk factor for cardiovascular events, and recent data have pointed to peripheral arterial disease (PAD) as another strong risk factor; together, they cause a surprisingly high total risk. This review deals with the clinical management of this dangerous association. The ankle-brachial index helps in the diagnosis of PAD and the estimation of risk. To control risk, lifestyle adaptation is essential. There is no consensus on a first choice of antihypertensive drug. Arguments favor angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, but most patients require several antihypertensive drugs to reach goal pressure (140/90 mm Hg or lower). Moreover, to control the risk of PAD, antiplatelet drugs, antihypertensive drugs, and statins are recommended.
Clement
Denis L
DL
Department of the Dean, Ghent University Hospital, Building 3K3, 185, De Pintelaan, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium. denis.clement@UGent.be
D055109:Ankle Brachial Index; D000959:Antihypertensive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000517:prevention & control; D008019:Life Style; D016491:Peripheral Vascular Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology*; D012307:Risk Factors; D040242:Risk Reduction Behavior
D000959:Antihypertensive Agents