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. 1985 Feb;31:321–325.

Initial Therapy for Patients with Uncomplicated Hypertension

R Brian Haynes
PMCID: PMC2327694  PMID: 21274104

Abstract

Although commonly prescribed for hypertension, nonpharmacologic treatments have, at best, a minor adjunctive role to play. Current Canadian recommendations call for either a diuretic or beta blocker. If the diastolic blood pressure does not fall below 90 mmHg, a beta blocker or diuretic, respectively, should be added. Medications should be carefully adjusted until the BP is well controlled without adverse effects. About one-third of patients will experience side effects from a medication, but these often subside with time or can be overcome by switching medications. In the long run, antihypertensive therapy does much more good than harm for most patients. Optimizing the cost/benefit ratio for individual patients is the most important challenge.

Keywords: Hypertension, therapy, medication

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Selected References

These references are in PubMed. This may not be the complete list of references from this article.

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