Newer Antihypertensive Drugs

Abstract

Even a little hypertension is a dangerous thing. The mortality and morbidity associated with this condition are now clearly apparent.

Specific treatment for hypertension has been developed within the last 30 years.

The first surgical procedures used were replaced by drug therapy; however, some agents employed produced iatrogenic diseases. Some of these drugs have now been discarded in favor of the ganglion-blocking agents and chlorothiazide. Two new drugs also appear to hold great promise.

When done with care in selected patients, vascular shunts and reparative vascular surgery have proved effective in lowering blood pressure.