Antihypertensive drug combinations.
10.5124/jkma.2014.57.3.253
- Author:
Jeong Bae PARK
1
Author Information
1. Department of Medicine/Cardiology, Cheil General Hospital, Kwandong University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea. mdparkjb@gmail.com
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords:
Hypertension;
Drug;
Combination drug therapy
- MeSH:
Calcium Channels;
Diuretics;
Drug Combinations*;
Drug Therapy, Combination;
Hypertension;
Renin-Angiotensin System;
Sympathectomy
- From:Journal of the Korean Medical Association
2014;57(3):253-258
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
Hypertension has a diverse pathophysiology. Theoretically, one drug is not sufficient to control high blood pressure (BP) in most hypertension. Therefore, the combination of two or more drugs with different mechanisms is needed to meet the target BP. In setting the target BP, a low-dose combination of two drugs with different mechanisms has greater efficacy and safety than a higher dose of one drug. Recent clinical trials and hypertension guidelines from different parts of the world report that the combination of renin-angiotensin system inhibitors with calcium channel antagonists or diuretics is generally recommended but combinations including beta-blockers, rarely so. However, if even a combination of three drugs all with different mechanisms, each at full dose does not control the BP, then a beta-blocker and/or other antihypertensive drug should be considered. Rarely, an interventional procedure such as renal sympathetic denervation has been applied, but evidence supporting such therapies remains limited.
