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Published on: May 3, 2018
Controversies in hypertension
Norman M Kaplan1, Lionel H Opie
1University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA. norman.kaplan@utsouthwestern.edu
Insights
Hypertension is a major cardiovascular risk factor with rising incidence. This review addresses controversies in its management, focusing on lifestyle changes, risk assessment, and drug therapy for better control.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Public Health
- Internal Medicine
Background:
- Hypertension is the leading risk factor for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.
- Increasing incidence in aging and obese populations, with inadequate global control.
- Persisting controversies hinder effective hypertension management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To address key controversies in hypertension management.
- To provide guidance for practitioners on effective hypertension control.
- To explore reasons for rising hypertension incidence and mitigation strategies.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature and clinical guidelines.
- Discussion of controversies regarding risk assessment and drug therapy initiation.
- Analysis of factors influencing hypertension incidence and management.
Main Results:
- Identified controversies include reasons for increased incidence, cardiovascular risk assessment necessity, drug therapy decisions, and screening for causes.
- Lifestyle modifications are crucial for slowing hypertension progression.
- Effective management requires addressing these complex issues.
Conclusions:
- Resolving controversies in hypertension management is essential for improving patient outcomes.
- Practitioners need updated guidance for optimal patient care.
- A comprehensive approach including risk assessment, lifestyle changes, and appropriate drug therapy is vital.
Abstract:
Hypertension remains the most common risk factor for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Its incidence is rising in both ageing and obese populations, but its control remains inadequate worldwide. We address several persisting controversies that may interfere with appropriate management of hypertension. They include: the reasons behind the increasing incidence of hypertension and the possible ways to slow the process, especially by lifestyle changes; the need for overall cardiovascular risk assessment; the major issues in the decision to institute drug therapy and the choice of drugs; and the importance of screening for various identifiable causes. We provide the background for these controversies, followed by some opinions on how to guide practitioners to offer more effective management of hypertension.
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