Basic Principles of Hypotensive Therapy

Abstract

Studies at the Dunedin clinic indicate that preventive treatment of hypertension should start when the basal blood pressure is high. Treatment must be highly individualized and include long-term studies of the patient?s responses. Side effects of powerful drugs complicate adequate control of blood pressure. Ganglion- blocking agents combined with reserpine or other Rauwolfia alkaloids have been effective. Evidence suggests a decrease in the incidence of strokes in patients maintained on full treatment.