Oko
Anabolic Steroids: What They Are, Uses, Side Effects & Risks
Below is a complete reference that you can keep on hand for every clinical encounter in which the patient’s blood‑pressure status or its underlying causes need to be assessed, monitored, or treated.
It contains:
Section What it covers Why it matters
1 – Initial assessment (history & exam) Identifies "white‑coat" hypertension, secondary causes and baseline BP trend Prevents mis‑diagnosis and unnecessary treatment
2 – Home / ambulatory monitoring Provides the most reliable picture of true BP load Drives accurate risk stratification
3 – Target organ assessment Detects early target‑organ damage (TOD) Allows timely intervention to prevent progression
4 – Risk categorisation & treatment goals Links BP levels to cardiovascular risk Sets personalised, evidence‑based targets
5 – Lifestyle optimisation First‑line therapy that is cost‑effective and side‑effect free Reduces drug burden
6 – Pharmacologic strategy Stepwise algorithm with preferred agents Minimises adverse effects while achieving goals
7 – Monitoring & follow‑up Structured schedule for reassessment Ensures sustained control and early detection of issues
Each section is intentionally concise yet complete, providing a reference that can be consulted quickly in the clinical setting.
---
Section‑by‑Section Summary
1. Overview of Hypertension
Definition: Systolic ≥ 140 mmHg or diastolic ≥ 90 mmHg.
Classification:
- Stage 1: 130–139 / 80–89 mmHg (ACC/AHA) – treat if comorbidities present.
- Stage 2: ≥140/≥90 mmHg – initiate pharmacologic therapy.
2. Risk Assessment
Baseline Tools: ASCVD risk calculator, SPRINT‑P, or local guidelines.
High‑Risk Triggers:
- Diabetes, CKD (eGFR < 60 ml/min/1.73m²), albuminuria.
- History of CVD, uncontrolled hypertension, resistant HTN.
3. Lifestyle Modifications
Intervention Target Evidence
DASH diet or Mediterranean pattern ≥5 servings fruits/veg; low sodium (<2 g/day) Strong
Physical activity 150 min moderate‑intensity/week Moderate
Weight loss (BMI >30) 5–10% weight High
Alcohol moderation ≤1 drink/day Moderate
Smoking cessation Quit Very strong
4. Pharmacologic Therapy
4.1 First‑Line Agents
ACEi/ARB (e.g., lisinopril, losartan) – preferred for CKD or proteinuria.
Thiazide diuretic (hydrochlorothiazide) – if normotensive and low renin; effective in younger patients.
4.2 Second‑Line Agents
Beta‑blocker (e.g., metoprolol, atenolol) – good for heart failure or ischemic heart disease.
Calcium channel blocker (amlodipine) – useful if ACEi/ARB not tolerated; effective in older patients.
4.3 Third‑Line / Combination
Loop diuretic (furosemide) – indicated when fluid overload present.
Combination therapy with ACEi/ARB + CCB or beta‑blocker often needed for optimal BP control.
5. Practical Management Algorithm
Step Decision Point Recommended Action
1 Baseline evaluation Measure weight, vitals; obtain labs (BMP, LFTs, lipids); assess for comorbidities.
2 Choose first‑line agent Start ACEi/ARB if no contraindication; otherwise start CCB or beta‑blocker.
3 Monitor BP and symptoms after 4–6 weeks If goal not reached, add second agent from a different class (e.g., add CCB to ACEi).
4 Reassess weight, blood glucose, electrolytes Adjust therapy if side effects arise (e.g., hyperkalemia → switch ACEi/ARB).
5 Long‑term follow‑up every 3–6 months Titrate doses to achieve targets; review for drug interactions or new comorbidities.
This plan follows the evidence that combination therapy using agents from different pharmacologic classes is superior in controlling BP, weight, and metabolic parameters, while monitoring for side effects ensures safety and adherence.
