CHOICE OF ANTIHYPERTENSIVE FOR SPECIAL POPULATIONS

Dr. Mohamed Ashraf* and R. Venugopal

ABSTRACT

Hypertension is a multifaceted disease that may present somewhat different in various populations. It is clear that hypertensive treatment reduces cardiovascular, renal and cerebrovascular outcomes for all patients, yet recent clinical trial data suggests that some groups may get benefit more than others from specific drug intervention. This article reviews important features of the presentation, rationale for treatment, and recommendations for the treatment of hypertension in special populations.[1] Early identification of these patients and achieving BP goal could reverse early end organ damage and improve outcomes in these patients. Analysis of the data from Framingham Heart study demonstrate that a 2-mm Hg reduction in blood pressure would result in 14 % reduction in the risk of stroke and transient ischemic attacks, and a 6% reduction in risk of coronary heart disease. The effective management of hypertension is therefore an important primary health care objective in managing cardiovascular and renal disease.

Keywords: Hypertension, Blood pressure, Betablockers.