Drugs acting on the heart: antihypertensive drugs. Issue 7 (July 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Charlton, Matthew; Thompson, Jonathan
• Is Part Of: Anaesthesia and intensive care medicine. Volume 19:Issue 7(2018)
• Page Start: 365
• Page End: 369
• Publication Date: 2018-07
• Subjects: Antihypertensive agents -- autonomic nervous system -- blood pressure -- hypertension -- renin–angiotensin system -- vasomotor system; Anesthesiology -- Periodicals; Critical care medicine -- Periodicals; Anesthesia -- Periodicals; Intensive care -- Periodicals; Electronic journals; Periodicals; 617.9605
• DOI: 10.1016/j.mpaic.2018.04.005
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1472-0299

Abstract

Abstract: Antihypertensive drugs are used commonly in anaesthesia and intensive care medicine. Patients might require antihypertensive drugs before surgery for the treatment of essential hypertension, pre-eclampsia or, occasionally for conditions such as phaeochromocytoma; during surgery as part of a deliberate hypotensive anaesthetic technique; or to reduce postoperative cardiovascular complications. Here, we discuss the physiology of blood pressure control, the pharmacology of antihypertensive drugs, current guidelines, and practical applications of antihypertensive therapy.