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New therapies for treating hypertension: what every physician should know
M K Shah1, S Y Hugghins, H C Champion
1Department of Pharmacology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA.
Insights
Hypertension is a major health issue in the US. This review covers diagnosing and treating high blood pressure with current and emerging medications, focusing on efficacy and side effects.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Pharmacology
- Public Health
Background:
- Hypertension is a widespread condition in the US, contributing significantly to morbidity and mortality.
- It is a critical modifiable risk factor for serious conditions like coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, and end-stage renal disease.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide physicians with a comprehensive overview of hypertension diagnosis.
- To detail current pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment strategies for hypertension.
- To introduce emerging antihypertensive drug classes.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on hypertension diagnosis and treatment.
- Analysis of properties, usage, and side effect profiles of nine common antihypertensive drug classes.
- Examination of three novel antihypertensive medication classes.
Main Results:
- Detailed descriptions of nine established classes of antihypertensive medications.
- Information on the characteristics and side effects of each drug class.
- Introduction to three new classes of antihypertensive drugs under development.
Conclusions:
- Physicians will gain familiarity with current hypertension management.
- The review prepares clinicians for the integration of new antihypertensive therapies.
- Updated knowledge on hypertension treatment options is provided.
Abstract:
Hypertension is a prevalent health problem and a major cause of morbidity and mortality in the United States. It is one of the most important modifiable risk factors for multiple medical problems including coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, and end-stage renal disease. There are many efficacious antihypertension medications, each with its own indications and side effect profile. Furthermore, new drugs are being developed rapidly. This article features how to diagnose hypertension as well as describes pharmacological and nonpharmacological treatment options. The properties, proper use, and side effect profile of each of the nine classes of antihypertension drugs commonly used and three classes of medications on the horizon will be described. The purpose of this manuscript is to familiarize physicians with the antihypertension regimens commonly employed and to introduce drugs which may become available in the near future.