High BP for the GP- This write up is based on 2017 ACC and AHA guidelines. Up to 120/80 is called normal BP. From here to 130/80 is called Elevated BP. From here to 140/90 is called stage 1 hypertension. Any BP above 140/90 is called stage 2 hypertension. For elevated BP we can avoid medications and use non-drug treatment such as exercise, low calorie, low-fat diet rich in vegetables and fruits, weight reduction, smoking cessation, salt restriction, alcohol restriction which means not > 2 drinks for men and > 1 drink for women daily.
With this non-drug approach, we can expect maximum 10/5 mm Hg BP reduction. For stage 1 hypertension we can start one antihypertensive medication and for stage 2 we should start with 2 antihypertensive medication as per the guidelines. Target BP is 130/80. First line medication for stage 1 hypertension is any one of the following. Thiazide-type of…
