Hypertension Treatment

Question 1

What is the first line treatment for hypertension in a patient under 55 years old?

Answer 1

Use an ACE-inhibitor
Swap to an ARB if ACEi not tolerated

Question 2

What is the first line treatment of hypertension in a patient that is older than 55?

Answer 2

DHP calcium channel blockers

Question 3

What is the first line treatment of hypertension in patients of African or Caribbean ethnicity?

Answer 3

DHP calcium channel blockers

Question 4

What is the second line treatment of hypertension?

Answer 4

Combining calcium channel blockers and ACE-inhibitors / ARBs

Question 5

What is the third line treatment of hypertension?

Answer 5

Adding a thiazide-like diuretic to the ACEi / ARB and/or CCBs already being taken

Question 6

What is the fourth line treatment of hypertension when blood potassium levels are less than 4.5mmol/L ?

Answer 6

Add spironolactone to other medications being taken

Question 7

What is the fourth line of treatment of hypertension when blood potassium levels are higher than 4.5mmol/L ?

Answer 7

You increase the amount of thiazide-like diuretics being prescribed

Question 8

What other drugs can be given as a fourth line treatment for hypertension when blood potassium levels are less then 4.5mmol/L ?

Answer 8

Alpha blockers - such as doxacosin
Beta blockers - such as atenolol