Definitions & Classifications
This BP level is considered “normal.”
<120/<80 mmHg
Elevated office BP but normal out-of-office readings is called this
White-coat HTN
three drug classes recommended for initial therapy in primary hypertension
thiazide-type diuretics, ACE inhibitors/ARBs, and calcium channel blockers
Hypertension is a major risk factor for these two cardiovascular outcomes
stroke and myocardial infarction
Combining these two RAAS inhibitors is not recommended.
ACE inhibitors and ARBs
Definition of elevated blood pressure
120–129 systolic and <80 diastolic mmHg
Normal office BP but elevated out-of-office readings is called this
Masked HTN
To improve adherence and BP control, the guideline recommends this formulation when combining drugs.
single-pill combination
This renal complication is a long-term consequence of uncontrolled hypertension
chronic kidney disease
These two calcium channel blockers should not be used in HFrEF and should be avoided with beta blockers
verapamil and diltiazem
Definition of Stage 1 HTN
130–139 systolic OR 80–89 diastolic mmHg
Controlled office BP but elevated out-of-office BP while on treatment is called this
Masked uncontrolled HTN
This renin-pathway drug is listed as FDA-approved for hypertension but is specifically not recommended in combination with ACE inhibitors or ARBs
aliskiren (a direct renin inhibitor)
Hypertensive urgency and emergency are distinguished by the presence or absence of this
acute target organ damage (TOD)
This drug class is not recommended as first-line therapy for uncomplicated hypertension, but is appropriate for patients with coronary heart disease or heart failure
beta blockers
Definition of Stage 2 HTN
≥140 systolic OR ≥90 diastolic mmHg
Name two lifestyle or environmental contributors to hypertension
high sodium intake, low potassium intake, obesity, alcohol use, sleep disturbance, or psychosocial stress
This drug class is emphasized as effective in resistant hypertension, especially as a fourth-line add-on.
mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (spironolactone, eplerenone)
This cardiac complication is strongly associated with diastolic dysfunction and HFpEF
left ventricular hypertrophy
In CKD with eGFR <30 or symptomatic HF, this category of medication is preferred.
loop diuretics
BP of ≥180/120 mmHg with acute target organ damage, is called this.
Hypertensive emergency
This endocrine disorder should be screened for in patients with resistant hypertension, even without hypokalemia.
Primary aldosteronism
This interventional therapy is discussed as a possible option for patients with resistant hypertension uncontrolled on medications
renal denervation
This neurologic complication of long-standing hypertension is associated with progressive cognitive decline and increased dementia risk
vascular dementia
This common class of medications can blunt the BP-lowering effect of antihypertensives by promoting sodium retention.
NSAIDs