A rational approach to severe or resistant hypertension

ABSTRACT

Severe or resistant hypertension is fortunately not very common in the general population. When discovered, the practitioner must be alert to the fact that alcohol excess and commonly available over-the-counter drugs could be contribution factors. An adequate history would eliminate the need for unnecessary investigations and treatment. Physical examination should be focused upon target organ damage, which if identified should lead to prompt refferal to a specialist centre for treatment. Treatment should be aggressive yet controlled (AU)