Treatment of hypertension: The ESH/ESC guidelines recommendations

Cesare Cuspidi1, Marijana Tadic2, Guido Grassi3

  • 1Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milano, Italy; Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milano, Italy.

Pharmacological Research
|October 30, 2017
PubMed

Insights

Achieving tight blood pressure (BP) control through lifestyle changes and medication is crucial for cardiovascular prevention in hypertensive patients. This review covers ESH/ESC guidelines on BP targets, lifestyle modifications, and pharmacological treatments for hypertension.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Hypertension Management

Background:

  • Effective cardiovascular prevention in hypertensive individuals requires strict blood pressure (BP) control.
  • Elevated BP contributes significantly to cardiovascular mortality and morbidity.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the latest ESH/ESC guidelines on hypertension management.
  • To detail BP targets, lifestyle interventions, and pharmacological therapies for hypertension.

Main Methods:

  • Review of current ESH/ESC guidelines.
  • Focus on non-pharmacological and pharmacological treatment strategies.
  • Discussion of BP targets in general and specific populations.

Main Results:

  • Guidelines emphasize achieving tight BP control.
  • Lifestyle changes like diet and exercise demonstrate anti-hypertensive efficacy.
  • Pharmacological therapy principles are outlined for various patient groups.

Conclusions:

  • Tight BP control is essential for cardiovascular risk reduction in hypertension.
  • A combination of lifestyle modifications and pharmacotherapy is recommended.
  • The review provides a comprehensive overview of current hypertension management strategies.

Related Concept Videos

Hypertension IV: Drug Therapy and Lifestyle Modifications01:28

Hypertension IV: Drug Therapy and Lifestyle Modifications

Multiple classes of antihypertensive medications are employed in treating hypertension. The most commonly recommended first-line treatments include:Thiazide Diuretics, such as chlorthalidone, increase sodium and water excretion from the body, reducing blood volume and blood pressure.Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, like lisinopril, block the conversion of angiotensin I to II, a potent vasoconstrictor lowering blood pressure.Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers (ARBs) prevent angiotensin II...
744
Hypertension V: Nursing Management01:23

Hypertension V: Nursing Management

The nursing management of hypertension involves accurately assessing symptoms, making a comprehensive nursing diagnosis, collaborating with patients to set goals, and implementing targeted interventions to mitigate the condition's impact and improve patient well-being.Comprehensive AssessmentThe initial step in nursing care for hypertension involves a thorough patient assessment. It includes evaluating symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, blurred vision, and previous hypertension episodes.
502
Hypertension I: Introduction01:28

Hypertension I: Introduction

Hypertension is a widespread, long-term medical condition where blood pressure in the arteries remains elevated. It is characterized by systolic blood pressure readings of 130 mm Hg or above or diastolic blood pressure (DBP) readings of 80 mm Hg or higher. Unmanaged hypertension poses significant health risks, making the distinction between primary (or essential) hypertension and secondary hypertension crucial, as their management and implications vary.Primary HypertensionPrimary hypertension,...
994
Treatment for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: Endothelin Receptor Antagonists01:18

Treatment for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: Endothelin Receptor Antagonists

Endothelins (ETs) are potent vasoactive peptides critical in the human body's various physiological and pathological processes. One of the most promising therapeutic strategies for treating pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) involves counteracting the effects of these endothelins using a class of drugs known as endothelin receptor antagonists.
ETs are synthesized through a complex sequence of enzymatic steps, primarily involving an enzyme referred to as endothelin-converting enzyme...
494
Heart Failure V: Medical Management01:30

Heart Failure V: Medical Management

Medical Management of Acute Decompensated Heart Failure (ADHF)The primary goals of therapy for patients hospitalized with acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) include:Relieving symptomsOptimizing volume statusSupporting oxygenation and ventilationMaintaining cardiac output (CO) and end-organ perfusionIdentifying and addressing the cause of ADHFPreventing complicationsProviding patient education on factors precipitating HF exacerbationPlanning for dischargeOngoing monitoring and assessment...
381
Hypertension III: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies01:30

Hypertension III: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies

Hypertension is asymptomatic and also referred to as the "silent killer" until it progresses to a severe stage or causes target organ disease. Patients may experience symptoms stemming from the strain on blood vessels and tissues in various organs or the heart's increased workload.Physical exams might show no abnormalities other than high blood pressure. Signs of vascular damage, when present, correspond to the organs supplied by the affected vessels, leading to target organ damage. For...
636