Choice of drug therapy in primary (essential) hypertension - UpToDate
The global prevalence of hypertension is high, and among nonpregnant adults in the United States, treatment of hypertension is the most common reason for office visits and for the use of chronic prescription medications [1,2]. Over several decades, the intensity (eg, number and doses) of antihypertensive drug therapy has been recognized as being more important for preventing cardiovascular disease than the choice of which specific drug to use initially. In addition, although selected antihypertensive drug classes are more beneficial than others in patients with certain comorbidities, the clinical benefit of antihypertensive drug therapy in the majority of patients is linked to the magnitude of blood pressure lowering, rather than the choice of drug. The approach to antihypertensive drug selection, titration, and combination is discussed in this topic. Other content related to hypertension is presented elsewhere: ● Measurement of blood pressure to diagnose and manage hypertension (see "
The global prevalence of hypertension is high, and among nonpregnant adults in the United States, treatment of hypertension is the most common reason for office visits and for the use of chronic prescription medications [1,2]. Over several decades, the intensity (eg, number and doses) of antihypertensive drug therapy has been recognized as being more important for preventing cardiovascular disease than the choice of which specific drug to use initially. In addition, although selected antihypertensive drug classes are more beneficial than others in patients with certain comorbidities, the clini
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