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Principles of management

• The principles of management of Hypertension include the reduction of blood pressure to levels which result in the reduction of   'Target Organ Damage'.

 Regular Blood pressure monitoring

             Regular exercise                                Low calorie, low fat diet                           Avoid Smoking

               Avoid alcohol                                 Reduce excessive weight.                    Life style modification

                                                                        Meditation and Yoga

                                                         Non pharmacological therapy

   Drug therapy.

  Pharmacological therapy

 Guidelines:

• Treatment of mild to moderate hypertension improves the long term outcome in these patients.

• In patients with severe (accelerated) hypertension, the improvement is sufficiently established to justify aggressive treatment. Non pharmacological measures are also important.

• Based on trial evidence, drug treatment is indicated in patients under 80 years of age, who have a diastolic pressure of > or = 100 mm Hg over a period of 3 to 4 month period.

• Once a diagnosis of borderline, mild or moderate hypertension (Essential) is established, the first therapeutic step is usually non pharmacological. (without anti hypertensive medicines). 

• Non pharmacological therapy should be tried for at least 3 months before drug therapy is initiated. 

How ever, the presence of 'Target Organ Damage' may require initial treatment with drugs.