Title:Target Blood Pressure and Combination Therapy: Focus on Angiotensin
Receptor Blockers Combination with Either Calcium Channel Blockers or
Beta Blockers
Volume: 18
Issue: 2
Author(s): Selvia M. Farag*, Hoda M. Rabea, Mohamed EA Abdelrahim and Hesham B. Mahmoud
Affiliation:
- Cardiovascular Department, Beni-Suef University Hospital, Egypt
Keywords:
Target blood pressure, combination therapy, hypertension, angiotensin receptor blockers, calcium channel blockers, beta-blockers.
Abstract:
Background: The target blood pressure has changed many times in the guidelines in past
years. However, there is always a question; is it good to lower blood pressure below 120/80 or not?
Control of blood pressure in hypertension is very important in reducing hypertension-modified organ
damage. So, the guidelines recommend combining more than one antihypertensive drug to
reach the target blood pressure goal.
Results: Combination therapy is recommended by guidelines to reach the blood pressure goal. The
guidelines recommend many combinations, such as the combination of angiotensin receptor blockers
with either calcium channel blockers (CCB) or beta-blocker (BB). Angiotensin receptor blocker
(ARB) combination with CCB has gained superiority over other antihypertension drug combinations
because it reduces blood pressure and decreases the incidence of CV events and organ damage.
BB combinations are recommended by guidelines in patients with ischemic events but not all
hypertensive patients. Unfortunately, the new generation BB, for example, nebivolol, has a vasodilator
effect, making it new hope for BB.
Conclusion: Combination therapy is a must in treating the hypertensive patient. The new generation
BBs may change the recommendations of guidelines because they have an effect that is similar to
CCBs.