Management of Hypertension

1. LIfestyle advise
2. Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) Diet
3. Weight loss is the most effective nonpharmacologic measure to decrease blood pressure in overweight individuals. (1 kg ~ 1 mmHg)

Pharmacological Rx

The overall best initial drug therapy = thiazide diuretics

Modify 1st line in specific conditions:

• CAD - BB, ACEi/ARB
• DM - ACE/ARB
• BPH - alpha blockers
• Depression and asthma - avoid BBs
• Hyperthyroidism - BB first
• Osteoporosis - Thiazides

Pregnancy safe HTN drugs:

1. BB- use first
2. CCB
3. Hydralazine
4. Alpha methyldopa

Beware of common side effects: