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Published on: May 26, 2022

Treatment of systemic hypertension

Wilbert S Aronow1

  • 1Cardiology Division, Department of Medicine, New York Medical College Valhalla, New York, USA.

American Journal of Cardiovascular Disease
|September 1, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Systemic hypertension significantly increases cardiovascular disease risk. Antihypertensive drug therapy effectively reduces cardiovascular events in both younger and older adults, with specific blood pressure goals recommended based on age.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Hypertension Research
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Systemic hypertension is a primary risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD).
  • It is highly prevalent in patients experiencing myocardial infarction, stroke, chronic heart failure, and peripheral arterial disease.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the role of antihypertensive drug therapy in reducing cardiovascular events.
  • To discuss recommended blood pressure treatment goals for different age groups.
  • To highlight the importance of non-pharmacologic interventions and available drug classes.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trials, including the Hypertension in the Very Elderly Trial.
  • Review of epidemiologic and clinical trial data to establish therapeutic blood pressure goals.
  • Summary of evidence for various antihypertensive drug classes.

Main Results:

  • Antihypertensive drug therapy demonstrated efficacy in reducing cardiovascular events across age groups (younger than 80 and 80 years and older).
  • Recommended blood pressure goals are <140/90 mm Hg for those younger than 80 and 140-145 mm Hg systolic for those 80 and older.
  • Several drug classes, including ACE inhibitors, ARBs, beta blockers, calcium channel blockers, and diuretics, have proven effective.

Conclusions:

  • Antihypertensive therapy is crucial for managing cardiovascular risk in patients with hypertension.
  • Tailored blood pressure targets and consideration of drug efficacy, tolerability, comorbidities, and cost are essential for optimal treatment.
  • Lifestyle modifications are vital for both prevention and adjunctive management of hypertension.

Keywords:
Hypertensionangiotensin receptor blockersangiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitorsbeta blockerscalcium channel blockersdiuretics

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