PROGRAM OVERVIEW Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading killer of both men and women in the United States. HTN, as a major contributing cause of CVD, is one of the more treatable factors contributing to this disease burden. Clinical trials have shown that the effective control of blood pressure reduces the risk of cardiovascular events in high-risk patients. Furthermore, HTN is a major contributing factor in stroke and renal failure, other common causes of death. Despite national programs to encourage the aggressive detection and treatment of HTN, the management of HTN in many individuals remains suboptimal.
The near constant addition of new agents and the clinical findings in support of their use complicates decision making in HTN management. Numerous medications are available and many can be used in combination. It is critical for the physician to understand which patients should receive which therapeutic interventions. Through a series of interactive case studies, this symposium will provide clinicians with important insights into the significance of blood pressure management, as well as practical strategies for the assessment and treatment of hypertension.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES At the conclusion of this activity, participants should be able to:
- Discuss the current hypertensive guidelines and blood pressure goal rates established by the Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation and Treatment of High Blood Pressure (JNC7)
- Demonstrate knowledge of pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic antihypertensive therapies with an emphasis on the side effects and drug interactions encountered in multiagent treatment regimens
- Design tailored treatment regimens to improve hypertensive management and meet the individual needs of hypertensive patients
- Assess individuals for the presence of risk factors, comorbidities, and target organ damage commonly seen in hypertensive patients
- Apply knowledge based on the latest experimental and clinical data to improve hypertensive management and promote quality improvement in the care of hypertensive patients
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