HYPERTENSION
WHAT IS NORMAL BLOOD PRESSURE - DO YOU KNOW?
You are used to “treating to target” your patient's lipid levels. You should "treat to target" their hypertension.
|
Classification of blood pressure (BP) levels |
|
|
Systolic BP
(mmHg) |
|
Normal |
< 120 |
< 80 |
High Normal |
120 - 139 |
80 - 89 |
Grade 1 hypertension (mild) |
140 - 159 |
90 - 99 |
| Grade 2 hypertension (moderate) |
160 - 179 |
100 - 109 |
| Grade 3 hypertension (severe) |
> 180 |
> 110 |
| Isolated systolic hypertension |
> 140 |
< 90 |
|
| Treatment goals |
| Patient Group |
Target BP (mmHg) |
Adults aged ³ 65 years without diabetes or renal insufficiency and/or protienuria ³ 0.25g/day |
< 140/90 |
Adults aged < 65 years and/or with diabetes and/or renal insufficiency and/or proteinuria 0.25 - 1.0g/day |
< 130/85 |
Adults with proteinuria > 1g/day with or without diabetes |
< 125/75 |
|
Causes of resistant hypertension |
Inaccurate BP measurement |
Volume overload and pseudotolerance
- excessive sodium intake Volume retention from kidney disease
- Inadequate diuretic therapy
Drug-induced condition/other causes
- Non-adherence to regimen Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs Inadequate doses Cocaine, amphetamines, other illicit drugs Inappropriate combinations · Liquorice
- Oral contraceptives
Associated conditions
- Obesity
- Excessive alcohol intake
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|
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Reference: Heart Foundation
Hypertension Management Guide for Doctors 2004.
Available at www.heartfoundation.com.au
Reviewed June 2004
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