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Hypertension Management Update

About 75 million Americans 20 years of age or older have hypertension. This number is expected to increase to more than100 million over the next 15 years. Unfortunately, even with many effective treatments and the promotion of clinical guidelines, only 44% of hypertensive adults reach blood pressure targets. High blood pressure is a major risk factor for cardiovascular and kidney disease. Clinical studies have shown that antihypertensive therapy can reduce heart attacks, strokes, and heart failure by 25%, 40%, and 50%, respectively.

Despite the wealth of evidence for the efficacy of various antihypertensive agents, the choice of preferred agents remains hotly debated. The focus has shifted to identification of preferred combinations, since the vast majority of patients require more than one drug to reach blood pressure targets. This issue will review recommendations for initial drug therapy and the current controversies related to specific drug classes. But more importantly, it will discuss approaches to combining antihypertensive agents. Recommendations for lifestyle changes to lower BP such as weight loss, exercise, and diet are also summarized.

Expires on: Jul 01, 2013

City: , AL

Cost: $ 6.95

Contact Hours: 1.5

Link to Program: http://www.rxconsultant.com

Specialty / Area of Interest: All Others, Cardiology

Category: Pharmacy

Provider of Program: The Rx Consultant