Related Experiment Videos
Pre-hypertension: how low to go and do drugs have a role?
1Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Western Infirmary, Glasgow G11 6NT, UK. Gordon.mcinnes@glasgow.ac.uk
Abstract:
People with pre-hypertension (high blood pressure but below the conventional threshold for intervention with antihypertensive drugs) undoubtedly have increased risk of cardiovascular and other complications. However, the vast majority has low absolute risk and whether treatment would be beneficial is uncertain. While pharmacotherapy has attractions from a public health perspective, clinicians and crucially those with pre-hypertension require robust evidence that drug treatment will lead to short term as well as long term gains. Any changes in recommendations should await adequately powered outcome studies which provide solid evidence of the magnitude of absolute risk reduction in treating pre-hypertension and assessment of the cost-effectiveness.
Related Concept Videos
Hypertension IV: Drug Therapy and Lifestyle Modifications
Hypertension I: Introduction
Hypertension V: Nursing Management
Atherosclerosis III: Management
Hypertension and Regulation of Blood Pressure
Alterations in Blood Pressure
Hypertension (High blood pressure)
Hypertension occurs when blood pressure readings consistently exceed the normal range. It is diagnosed when systolic blood pressure (the top number, indicating pressure while the heart beats)...