Hypertension

Abstract

This article provides an overview of the changes that have taken place in the diagnosis and management of hypertension over the past decade. Hypertension remains a widespread condition seen in South Africa. The approach to managing hypertension includes necessary lifestyle modifications and a decisive, stepwise escalation process in the pharmacotherapeutic management thereof. Most guidelines are still promoting thiazide diuretics to be the initial (first-line) drug of choice, with the addition of other suitable antihypertensive agents, if necessary, and according to any relevant comorbid conditions.