Should patients with obesity and hypertension be treated differently from those who are not obese?
Journal Article (Journal Article)
Obesity and hypertension frequently coexist. Measuring blood pressure (BP) accurately in obese patients is challenging and may require strategies that are less accurate, such as forearm cuffing or use of wrist cuffs. Pathophysiologic mechanisms of hypertension may differ between obese and non-obese individuals, which may result in differing effects of common BP-lowering medications. However, to date, there is insufficient trial data to recommend a different approach to medication selection based on body mass index. Additionally, the goal BP is generally not different between obese and non-obese patients. Weight loss should be emphasized for obese patients with hypertension, and interventions in addition to diet and exercise may include weight loss medications and bariatric surgery. Recognition and treatment of obstructive sleep apnea is also important.
Full Text
Duke Authors
Cited Authors
- Bloch, MJ; Viera, AJ
Published Date
- March 2014
Published In
Volume / Issue
- 16 / 3
Start / End Page
- 418 -
PubMed ID
- 24496954
Electronic International Standard Serial Number (EISSN)
- 1534-3111
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
- 10.1007/s11906-014-0418-z
Language
- eng
Conference Location
- United States