[Medical treatment of hypertension--what treatment for what patients?]

MMW Fortschr Med. 2004 May 27;146(22):31-4.
[Article in German]

Abstract

The antihypertensive agents of first choice include ACE-inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers, beta blockers, calcium antagonists and diuretic agents. For the selection of medicaments, the individual patient risk profile of decisive importance. In particular a metabolic syndrome, diabetes mellitus, disturbed renal function and/or a disturbed electrolyte household must be considered. For initial treatment monotherapy or a low-dose combination regime is suggested. If the response is inadequate, possible options include increasing the dose, changing the medicament, (sequential monotherapy) or, in the sense of stepped treatment, introduction of further combination drugs. Resistance to therapy should prompt consideration of a number of causes, in particular noncompliance on the part of the patient.

Publication types

  • English Abstract
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adrenergic beta-Antagonists / administration & dosage
  • Adrenergic beta-Antagonists / therapeutic use
  • Angiotensin II Type 1 Receptor Blockers
  • Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors / administration & dosage
  • Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors / therapeutic use
  • Antihypertensive Agents / administration & dosage
  • Antihypertensive Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Calcium Channel Blockers / administration & dosage
  • Calcium Channel Blockers / therapeutic use
  • Diabetes Complications
  • Diuretics / administration & dosage
  • Diuretics / therapeutic use
  • Drug Synergism
  • Drug Therapy, Combination
  • Heart Failure / complications
  • Humans
  • Hypertension / complications
  • Hypertension / drug therapy*
  • Patient Compliance
  • Renal Insufficiency / complications
  • Risk Factors

Substances

  • Adrenergic beta-Antagonists
  • Angiotensin II Type 1 Receptor Blockers
  • Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors
  • Antihypertensive Agents
  • Calcium Channel Blockers
  • Diuretics