The stepped-care approach to the treatment of hypertension in Black patients
Seedat, Y.K.
South African Medical Journal 62(27): 1033-1035
1982
ISSN/ISBN: 0256-9574 PMID: 6817425 Document Number: 188305
The Joint National Committee on Detection, Evaluation and Treatment of High Blood Pressure (USA) has recommended the stepped-care approach to the treatment of hypertension. It should be modified in Black hypertensive patients on a cost-effective basis. This is based on the following reasons: (i) beta-blockers are not as effective as diuretics in the treatment of Black hypertensive patients; (ii) Black hypertensive patients probably respond better to vasodilators; and (iii) the cost of therapy on a long-term basis in developing countries should be considered, and drugs such as reserpine will continue to play a valuable role.