Uncontrolled (or) Treatment-Resistant Hypertension: Understanding the Causes, Diagnosis, Best Medications, and Target BP

 
Medically reviewed by Dr. Aravind Vijayan., MD(Gen Med), Diabetologist and Critical Care Specialist — Updated on April 23, 2023 

Hypertension, often referred to as the "silent killer," is a condition that affects countless individuals globally, and if left unmanaged, it can lead to a host of serious health complications. While hypertension can often be effectively managed with lifestyle modifications and medication, there are some cases where blood pressure remains elevated despite treatment. This condition is known as uncontrolled or treatment-resistant hypertension, and it can have serious consequences if left untreated.

 

Causes of Uncontrolled Hypertension

The following are some of the causes of treatment-resistant hypertension:

Kidney disease: The kidneys play an important role in regulating blood pressure. When the kidneys are damaged or not functioning properly, it can cause secondary hypertension.

Sleep apnea: Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that causes interrupted breathing during sleep. It has been linked to hypertension, possibly due to the effect of low oxygen levels during apnea events.

Hormonal imbalances: Certain hormonal imbalances, such as an overactive thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism) or an adrenal gland tumour (pheochromocytoma), can cause treatment-resistant hypertension.

Coarctation of the aorta: A rare congenital condition in which the aorta, the main artery that carries blood from the heart to the rest of the body, is narrowed or constricted, leading to uncontrolled hypertension.

White coat hypertension: White coat hypertension is a condition in which a patient's blood pressure is elevated when measured in a clinical setting, but normal when measured outside of a clinical setting. It is thought to be caused by anxiety or stress related to being in a medical environment.

 

Diagnosis of Uncontrolled Hypertension

To diagnose uncontrolled hypertension, a healthcare provider will first need to confirm that a patient has hypertension. This is typically done by measuring blood pressure in both arms and legs while the patient is at rest. If a patient's blood pressure consistently reads above 130/80 mmHg, they are considered to have hypertension.

If a patient has already been diagnosed with hypertension and is receiving treatment, but their blood pressure remains elevated, their healthcare provider will need to investigate the underlying cause. This may involve additional tests, such as blood tests to check kidney function or sleep studies to evaluate for sleep apnea.

 

Best Medication for Uncontrolled Hypertension

There are several different types of medication that can be used to treat uncontrolled hypertension. The choice of medication will depend on the patient's underlying medical conditions, as well as any side effects they may experience.

One of the most common classes of medication used to treat hypertension is ACE inhibitors. These medications work by relaxing blood vessels, which helps to lower blood pressure. Other classes of medication used to treat hypertension include calcium channel blockers, diuretics, and beta-blockers.

If a patient is already taking medication for hypertension but is still experiencing uncontrolled hypertension, their healthcare provider may need to adjust the dosage or add additional medication to their treatment plan. In some cases, a patient may need to try multiple medications or combinations of medications before achieving adequate blood pressure control.

 

Target Blood Pressure for Uncontrolled Hypertension

The target blood pressure for uncontrolled hypertension is typically lower than for controlled hypertension, with a goal of reducing blood pressure to below 130/80 mmHg. This lower target is based on research showing that a lower blood pressure can significantly reduce the risk of cardiovascular events such as heart attack and stroke.

Overall, uncontrolled hypertension is a serious medical condition that requires prompt diagnosis and treatment to reduce the risk of complications. Regular monitoring of blood pressure and adherence to treatment is crucial for managing this condition.

For patients with certain medical conditions, such as diabetes or chronic kidney disease, a lower target blood pressure of less than 120/80 mmHg may be recommended. Patients with uncontrolled hypertension need to work closely with their healthcare provider to establish an appropriate target blood pressure and develop a treatment plan to achieve this goal.

 

Conclusion

Uncontrolled hypertension is a serious medical condition that can increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, and other cardiovascular complications. While several factors can contribute to uncontrolled hypertension, including poor medication adherence and underlying medical conditions, there are also effective treatment options available.

Patients with uncontrolled hypertension should work closely with their healthcare provider to identify the underlying cause of their high blood pressure and develop a treatment plan that includes medication, lifestyle modifications, and other interventions as needed. With the right treatment approach, most patients can achieve adequate blood pressure control and reduce their risk of cardiovascular complications.

 
Reference:
Heart .org
Hopkins medicine
 

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