Single-Pill Combinations in the Treatment of Hypertension in Adults: Beyond Convenience

Publication date: April 2018Source: Canadian Journal of Diabetes, Volume 42, Issue 2Author(s): Benoit Imbeault, Michel ValléeAbstractAdequate blood pressure control in patients with hypertension remains the pillar of cardiovascular-event prevention. Smoking cessation, reduced dietary salt intake, physical exercise and weight loss contribute to better blood pressure control and reduced cardiovascular morbidity, but alone, they are often insufficient in doing so, and their success is highly dependent on individual patient motivation. Pharmacologic therapy, thus, remains necessary for most patients, and our conception of the optimal way of approaching this therapy has evolved over the past decade. Traditionally, monotherapy using a first-line drug was initiated and uptitrated, with the addition of other antihypertensive agents as needed. The latest Hypertension Canada guidelines, however, now recommend first-line treatment with single-pill combinations in patients without compelling indications for treatment. In this review, we discuss the evidence behind this recommendation and how single-pill combinations can improve patient care.RésuméUne maîtrise adéquate de la pression artérielle chez les patients hypertendus demeure le pilier de la prévention des événements cardiovasculaires. La cessation tabagique, la réduction de l'apport alimentaire en sel, l'exercice physique et la perte de poids contribuent à l'amélioration de la maîtrise de la pression artérielle et à ...
Source: Canadian Journal of Diabetes - Category: Endocrinology Source Type: research