Hypertension affects the majority of people with diabetes and acts as a potent multiplier for cardiovascular and microvascular complications. These flashcards are designed to help pharmacists and healthcare professionals quickly recall the 2018 Clinical Practice Guidelines regarding blood pressure thresholds, lifestyle interventions, and the specific indications for renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) blockade.
Key Topics Covered:
Therapeutic Targets: Memorizing the recommended blood pressure target of <130/80 mmHg for optimal renal and cardiovascular protection.
Drug Selection: Identifying when to initiate therapy with an ACE inhibitor or ARB, specifically in patients with cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease, or albuminuria.
Lifestyle Interventions: Recalling specific targets for sodium restriction (<2000 mg/day), alcohol limits, and the DASH diet.
Combination Therapy: Understanding the need for combination therapy (often required for most patients) and the caution against combining ACE inhibitors with ARBs.
Renal Protection: Reviewing the role of antihypertensive agents in delaying the progression of diabetic nephropathy.