PMID: 8600605Dec 1, 1995Paper

Rationale for the hypertension guidelines for primary care in South Africa

South African Medical Journal = Suid-Afrikaanse Tydskrif Vir Geneeskunde
L H Opie, K Steyn

Abstract

New South African guidelines are proposed by the Hypertension Society of Southern Africa for the management of hypertension by primary health care services in South Africa. Specific South African guidelines are appropriate for hypertension, which is now recognised as one of the five major diseases that must be given priority by the new Government. Furthermore, patient participation and empowerment in blood pressure (BP) control become feasible through the new concept of lifestyle modification. This article gives the rationale underpinning these guidelines. The correct methods to measure blood pressure (BP), with patients sitting for 5 minutes, correct cuff-size and repeated readings, are emphasised to eliminate the 'white coat' effect and ensure accurate BP readings. The rationale for the overall management of all atherosclerosis-related risk factors is given, as are the principles of non-drug hypertension treatment and patient education. We emphasise that patients must understand hypertension to be a risk factor and not a disease. Patients should also be empowered to contribute to effective BP control. The justification for the chosen BP levels at which specific action is required by the primary health care team is given. The ...Continue Reading

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