Drug therapy for the patient with resistant hypertension

Future Cardiol. 2015 Mar;11(2):191-202. doi: 10.2217/fca.15.9.

Abstract

Resistant hypertension is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Resistant hypertension is defined as blood pressure above targets despite treatment with at least three antihypertensive drugs in adequate dose and combination. Nonadherence is a frequent cause of uncontrolled hypertension and can be improved by providing fixed dose (of two or three agents) single pill combination. Triple combination of the most widely used antihypertensive agents (renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system antagonists, calcium channel blockers and diuretics) is a safe and effective therapy. Fourth line therapy is the use of an aldosterone antagonist. Renal denervation and baroreceptor stimulation can be considered in patients who remained uncontrolled despite optimal medical therapy.

Keywords: baroceptor stimulation; drug adherence; medical therapy; renal denervation; resistant hypertension.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Angiotensin II Type 1 Receptor Blockers / therapeutic use
  • Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors / therapeutic use
  • Antihypertensive Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Calcium Channel Blockers / therapeutic use
  • Diuretics / therapeutic use
  • Drug Therapy, Combination
  • Humans
  • Hypertension / drug therapy*
  • Mineralocorticoid Receptor Antagonists / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Angiotensin II Type 1 Receptor Blockers
  • Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors
  • Antihypertensive Agents
  • Calcium Channel Blockers
  • Diuretics
  • Mineralocorticoid Receptor Antagonists