Practical approach to hypertension

Abstract

With information obtained from the hypertensive workup (described in part 1 of this article, beginning on page 66), the physician devises a treatment plan. A stepped-care approach is generally favored, with a diuretic, an adrenergic blocker, and a vasodilator being added in turn until blood pressure is brought under control. The indications and contraindications, dosages, and side effects of the most commonly used antihypertensive agents are discussed here, with suggestions for increasing compliance.