Antihypertensive management in South Africa targets a blood pressure of <140/90 mmHg for uncomplicated cases and <130/80 mmHg for patients with end-organ damage or comorbidities.
The 2011 South African hypertension guideline provides updated recommendations for blood pressure targets, measurement procedures, and pharmacological management to reduce cardiovascular risk.
Extensive data from randomised controlled trials have shown the benefit of treating hypertension. The target blood pressure (BP) for antihypertensive management is < 140/90 mmHg, and < 130/80 mmHg in patients with end-organ damage, coexisting risk factors, and co-morbidity. Benefits of management include reduced risk of death, stroke, cardiac failure, chronic kidney disease, and coronary heart disease. The correct BP measurement procedure is described, and evaluation of cardiovascular risk factors and recommendations for antihypertensive therapy, are stipulated. Lifestyle modification and patient education are cornerstones in the management of every patient. Major indications, precautions, and contraindications to each recommended antihypertensive drug are listed. Combination therapy should be considered ab initio if the BP is ≥ 20/10 mmHg above goal. First-line drug therapy for uncomplicated essential hypertension includes low-dose thiazide-like diuretics, calcium-channel blockers, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, or angiotensin-receptor blockers. The guideline was developed by the Southern African Hypertension Society.
Seedat et al. (Fri,) conducted a review in Hypertension. Antihypertensive management was evaluated. Antihypertensive management in South Africa targets a blood pressure of <140/90 mmHg for uncomplicated cases and <130/80 mmHg for patients with end-organ damage or comorbidities.
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