UK guidelines for treating high blood pressure

[Guest guest]

I have recently been given the underlying information by the

technician at the hypertension clinic and thought it would raise a

rye smile. Note there is no suggestion of blood tests just straight

onto the drugs...... I asked to see a dr before starting any drugs so

that I could get blood tests done first. They are not happy about it

but did agree after I was given a script for an ACE inhibitor and

asked if it was gluten free. Since no one could tell me I gave the

script back.... they did understand that.

" Current UK guidelines give the following recommendations as to usual

drugs that should be used. These recommendations are based on

treatments and combinations of treatments that are likely to give the

best control of the blood pressure with the least risk of side

effects or problems.

Treatment is guided by the A/CD approach as follows:

If you are less than 55 years old and are not black then initial

treatment should be with 'A' (an ACE inhibitor, or an angiotensin

receptor blocker if an ACE inhibitor causes problems or side

effects).

If you are 55 years or older, or are black then initial treatment

should be with 'C' or 'D' (a calcium-channel blocker or a diuretic).

Then, if the target blood pressure is not reached, combine 'A'

with 'C' or 'D' (an ACE inhibitor or an angiotensin receptor blocker

plus a calcium-channel blocker or diuretic).

Then, if target blood pressure is still not reached, combine 'A'

with 'C' and 'D' (an ACE inhibitor or an angiotensin receptor

blocker, and a calcium-channel blocker, and a diuretic).

If a fourth drug is needed to achieve the target blood pressure,

consider adding of one of the following:

A beta-blocker

Another diuretic

An alpha-blocker "

Helen in Scotland