New Consensus Statement for Managing Hypertension in Patients with Coronary Artery Disease

By Larry Husten Edited by David G. Fairchild, MD, MPH, and Lorenzo Di Francesco, MD, FACP, FHM The American Heart Association, American College of Cardiology, and American Society of Hypertension have issued an updated scientific statement on the treatment of hypertension in patients with existing coronary artery disease. A key element of the statement is that it reinforces the blood pressure goal of less than 140/90 mm Hg in this population. However, for some patients who've had a previous cardiovascular event, a lower target of less than 130/80 mm Hg may be appropriate. The statement cautions against lowering blood pressure too rapidly and against reducing diastolic blood pressure to below 60 mm Hg, particularly in patients over age 60. Beta-blockers are a cornerstone of treatment, although many patients may require additional drugs. Christopher O'Connor, a co-author of the statement, said in an email that the publication represents "a major effort to bring clarity and consensus for hypertension management in cardiac and vascular patients." Scientific statement in Hypertension (Free)
Source: Doc2Doc BMJ Cardiology - Category: Cardiology Authors: Source Type: forums