70 docs attend CME on ‘Resistant Hypertension’

Chandigarh, December 28, 2018: As many as 70 doctors from tricity took part in a CME on ‘Resistant Hypertension’ at a hotel here. Speaking during occasion, Dr Amit Gupta, Consultant Interventional Cardiology, Ivy Hospital Mohali said that recent surveys from developed countries suggested that the prevalence of hypertension ranges from 20% to 30% in total population. Out of this, 51% to 80% receive treatment with only 27% to 66% having adequate blood pressure control. He said further that , the ‘Resistant Hypertension’ prevalence is affecting anywhere between 12% and 18% of patients who are diagnosed with hypertension. Hypertension is defined as BP measures over 140/90 mmHg and the inadequate control of BP is confirmed by Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) or Home blood pressure measurement' (HBPM) despite appropriate lifestyle measures and treatment with optimal or best-tolerated doses of three or more drugs, said Dr Amit. Patients with resistant hypertension are at higher risk of damage to the organs like brain, kidneys, eyes, and premature heart diseases or heart failure. However there are certain reasons for high BP should be excluded before labelling the patient as resistant hypertension like white coat HTN , faulty BP measurement technique/instrument and adherence to medications , remarked Dr Amit. The factors causing resistant hypertension includes lifestyle factors such as obesity or large gains in weight, excessive alcohol consumption, high sodium intake, obstructive sleep apnea. Talking about treatment, Dr Amit said that one requires lifestyle measures through diet control especially salt restriction, reducing weight and regular exercise.