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Published on: May 17, 2024
[Combination therapy for hypertension]
Anton H van den Meiracker1, A H J Jan Danser
1Erasmus MC, afd. Inwendige Geneeskunde, Rotterdam.
Insights
Antihypertensive monotherapy has limited blood pressure reduction. Combination therapy with multiple agents is often needed for effective hypertension management, especially using renin-angiotensin-system blockers with other drug classes.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Antihypertensive monotherapy offers limited blood pressure reduction, with average systolic lowering of 9.1 mmHg and diastolic of 5.5 mmHg.
- Approximately two-thirds of the hypertensive population require two or more antihypertensive agents for adequate control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the rationale and strategies for initiating combination antihypertensive therapy.
- To emphasize the importance of combination therapy for achieving blood pressure targets and improving patient compliance.
Main Methods:
- Literature review on the efficacy and mechanisms of antihypertensive drug combinations.
- Analysis of treatment initiation strategies, including stepwise versus immediate combination therapy.
Main Results:
- Combination therapy, particularly with a renin-angiotensin-system (RAS) blocking agent and a RAS-independent agent, is recommended due to complementary mechanisms and proven efficacy.
- Initial treatment may involve a stepwise approach or immediate initiation of two agents if blood pressure is significantly elevated (>20/10 mmHg).
Conclusions:
- Combination antihypertensive therapy is essential for a majority of hypertensive patients.
- Fixed-dose combination preparations are preferred to improve treatment compliance and adherence.
Abstract:
The average systolic blood pressure-lowering effect of antihypertensive monotherapy is no more than 9.1 mmHg and for the diastolic value, 5.5 mmHg. Due to the limited effect of monotherapy, 2 or more antihypertensive agents are required in at least two-third of the hypertensive population. Because of their complementary blood pressure-lowering mechanisms and proven efficacy, it is advisable to initiate a combination of a renin-angiotensin-system (RAS) blocking agent with a RAS-independent agent; the choice of initial agents depends on age, ethnicity and co-morbidity. It is preferable that treatment is started using a stepwise approach: 1 agent is started and a second or third agent is added to the regimen. If the patient's actual blood pressure exceeds the target value by more than 20/10 mmHg, an alternative approach would be to start immediately with 2 agents. Compliance to therapy and the continuation of antihypertensive treatment are notoriously poor; treatment using a combination preparation containing 2 or even 3 different components is therefore preferred.
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