Search Results for hypertension -- AAFP

A Rational Approach to the Treatment of Hypertension in Special Populations - American ...

Jul 1, 1999 - Hypertension in blacks is usually characterized by low renin, expanded volume and sensitivity to salt. Diuretics are the preferred initial therapy, but response to calcium channel antagonists is also good. The blood pressure response to monotherapy with beta blockers or ...

American Family Physician : Article

https://www.aafp.org/afp/1999/0701/p156.html

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm - American Family Physician

Apr 15, 2015 - Abdominal aortic aneurysm refers to abdominal aortic dilation of 3.0 cm or greater. The main risk factors are age older than 65 years, male sex, and smoking history. Other risk factors include a family history of abdominal aortic aneurysm, coronary artery disease, hypertension, ...

American Family Physician : Article

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2015/0415/p538.html

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm - American Family Physician

Apr 1, 2006 - Most abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) are asymptomatic, not detectable on physical examination, and silent until discovered during radiologic testing for other reasons. Tobacco use, hypertension, a family history of AAA, and male sex are clinical risk factors for the development of an ...

American Family Physician : Article

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2006/0401/p1198.html

ACC/AHA Guideline Update for the Management of ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial ...

Jun 15, 2009 - The American College of Cardiology and American Heart Association, in collaboration with the Canadian Cardiovascular Society, have issued an update of the 2004 guideline for the management of patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction. The American Academy of Family ...

American Family Physician : Article

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2009/0615/p1080.html

Acute Coronary Syndrome: Current Treatment - American Family Physician

Feb 15, 2017 - Acute coronary syndrome continues to be a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in the United States. Family physicians need to identify and mitigate risk factors early, as well as recognize and respond to acute coronary syndrome events quickly in any clinical setting. Diagnosis ...

American Family Physician : Article

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2017/0215/p232.html

Acute Coronary Syndrome: Diagnostic Evaluation - American Family Physician

Feb 1, 2017 - Myocardial infarction (MI), a subset of acute coronary syndrome, is damage to the cardiac muscle as evidenced by elevated cardiac troponin levels in the setting of acute ischemia. Coronary artery disease is the leading cause of mortality in the United States. Chest pain is a common ...

American Family Physician : Article

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2017/0201/p170.html

Acute Management of Atrial Fibrillation: Part I. Rate and Rhythm Control - American ...

Jul 15, 2002 - Atrial fibrillation is the arrhythmia most commonly encountered in family practice. Serious complications can include congestive heart failure, myocardial infarction, and thromboembolism. Initial treatment is directed at controlling the ventricular rate, most often with a calcium ...

American Family Physician : Article

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2002/0715/p249.html

Acute Management of Atrial Fibrillation: Part II. Prevention of Thromboembolic ...

Jul 15, 2002 - Family physicians should be familiar with the acute management of atrial fibrillation and the initiation of chronic therapy for this common arrhythmia. Initial management should include hemodynamic stabilization, rate control, restoration of sinus rhythm, and initiation of ...

American Family Physician : Article

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2002/0715/p261.html

ANCA-Associated Small-Vessel Vasculitis - American Family Physician

Apr 15, 2002 - Antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA)-associated vasculitis is the most common primary systemic small-vessel vasculitis to occur in adults. Although the etiology is not always known, the incidence of vasculitis is increasing, and the diagnosis and management of patients may be ...

American Family Physician : Article

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2002/0415/p1615.html

Angiotensin II Receptor Antagonists in the Treatment of Hypertension - American Family ...

Sep 15, 1999 - The sixth report of the Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure (JNC-VI) includes recommendations for the assessment of overall cardiovascular risk and the need for active antihypertensive drug therapy. Once the decision to ...

American Family Physician : Article

https://www.aafp.org/afp/1999/0915/p1185.html

Angiotensin-II Receptor Antagonists: Their Place in Therapy - American Family Physician

Jun 1, 1999 - Angiotensin-II receptor antagonists (or blockers) are a newer class of antihypertensive agents. These drugs are selective for angiotensin II (type 1 receptor); unlike angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, they do not inhibit bradykinin metabolism or enhance prostaglandin synthesis. ...

American Family Physician : Article

https://www.aafp.org/afp/1999/0601/p3140.html

Antioxidant Vitamins and the Prevention of Coronary Heart Disease - American Family ...

Sep 1, 1999 - Clinical use of antioxidant vitamin supplementation may help to prevent coronary heart disease (CHD). Epidemiologic studies find lower CHD morbidity and mortality in persons who consume larger quantities of antioxidants in foods or supplements. Clinical trials indicate that ...

American Family Physician : Article

https://www.aafp.org/afp/1999/0901/p895.html

Aortic Stenosis: Diagnosis and Treatment - American Family Physician

Mar 1, 2016 - Aortic stenosis affects 3% of persons older than 65 years. Although survival in asymptomatic patients is comparable to that in age- and sex-matched control patients, it decreases rapidly after symptoms appear. During the asymptomatic latent period, left ventricular hypertrophy and ...

American Family Physician : Article

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2016/0301/p371.html

Aortic Stenosis: Diagnosis and Treatment - American Family Physician

Sep 15, 2008 - Aortic stenosis is the most important cardiac valve disease in developed countries, affecting 3 percent of persons older than 65 years. Although the survival rate in asymptomatic patients with aortic stenosis is comparable to that in age- and sex-matched control patients, the average ...

American Family Physician : Article

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2008/0915/p717.html

Assessment and Treatment of Depression Following Myocardial Infarction - American ...

Aug 15, 2001 - Approximately 65 percent of patients with acute myocardial infarction report experiencing symptoms of depression. Major depression is present in 15 to 22 percent of these patients. Depression is an independent risk factor in the development of and mortality associated with ...

American Family Physician : Article

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2001/0815/p641.html

Attenuating Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes - American ...

Dec 15, 2000 - Patients with type 2 diabetes (formerly known as non-insulin-resistant diabetes) have a significantly increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Once clinical cardiovascular disease develops, these patients have a poorer prognosis than normoglycemic patients. By inducing ...

American Family Physician : Article

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2000/1215/p2633.html

Automated Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring: Clinical Utility in the Family Practice...

Jun 1, 2003 - Although the percentage of patients who are treated for hypertension has increased, the percentage of those who demonstrate control of blood pressure has declined. As a result of this trend, clinicians may increasingly rely on ambulatory blood pressure monitoring to improve the ...

American Family Physician : Article

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2003/0601/p2343.html

Beta Blocker Therapy for Chronic Heart Failure - American Family Physician

Nov 15, 2000 - Recent studies have shown that beta blocker therapy improves survival and reduces hospitalizations in patients who have chronic heart failure and left ventricular systolic dysfunction, the majority of whom are under the management of primary care physicians. Appropriate patient ...

American Family Physician : Article

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2000/1115/p2267.html

Calcium Channel Antagonists: Morbidity and Mortality - What's the Evidence? - American ...

Apr 1, 1998 - Recent studies have shown an association between the use of calcium channel antagonists for the treatment of hypertension and an increased risk of myocardial infarction, gastrointestinal hemorrhage and cancer. The interpretation of the results of these studies and their application to ...

American Family Physician : Article

https://www.aafp.org/afp/1998/0401/p1551.html

Cardiac Rehabilitation: Improving Function and Reducing Risk - American Family Physician

Jul 1, 2016 - Cardiac rehabilitation is a comprehensive multidisciplinary program individually tailored to the needs of patients with cardiovascular disease. The overall goals focus on improving daily function and reducing cardiovascular risk factors. Cardiac rehabilitation includes interventions ...

American Family Physician : Article

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2016/0701/p37.html

Cardiomyopathy: An Overview - American Family Physician

Nov 15, 2017 - The definition and classification of cardiomyopathy have evolved considerably in recent years. Cardiomyopathy can be separated into primary (genetic, mixed, or acquired) and secondary categories, which result in varied phenotypes including dilated, hypertrophic, and restrictive ...

American Family Physician : Article

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2017/1115/p640.html

Cardiomyopathy: An Overview - American Family Physician

May 1, 2009 - Cardiomyopathy is an anatomic and pathologic diagnosis associated with muscle or electrical dysfunction of the heart. Cardiomyopathies represent a heterogeneous group of diseases that often lead to progressive heart failure with significant morbidity and mortality. Cardiomyopathies may ...

American Family Physician : Article

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2009/0501/p778.html

Cardiovascular Screening of Student Athletes - American Family Physician

Aug 15, 2000 - Each year, a number of children and adolescents die suddenly from cardiac problems that are associated with a small subgroup of disorders and high-risk behaviors. While sudden cardiac death in any child or adolescent is distressing, it can be particularly devastating when it occurs in a...

American Family Physician : Article

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2000/0815/p765.html

Caring for Infants with Congenital Heart Disease and Their Families - American Family ...

Apr 1, 1999 - Congenital heart defects are classified into two broad categories: acyanotic and cyanotic lesions. The most common acyanotic lesions are ventricular septal defect, atrial septal defect, atrioventricular canal, pulmonary stenosis, patent ductus arteriosus, aortic stenosis and coarctation...

American Family Physician : Article

https://www.aafp.org/afp/1999/0401/p1857.html

Causes and Evaluation of Chronic Dyspnea - American Family Physician

Jul 15, 2012 - Chronic dyspnea is shortness of breath that lasts more than one month. The perception of dyspnea varies based on behavioral and physiologic responses. Dyspnea that is greater than expected with the degree of exertion is a symptom of disease. Most cases of dyspnea result from asthma, ...

American Family Physician : Article

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2012/0715/p173.html

Cholesterol Treatment Guidelines Update - American Family Physician

Mar 1, 2002 - Hypercholesterolemia is one of the major contributors to atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease in our society. The National Cholesterol Education Program of the National Institutes of Health has created a set of guidelines that standardize the clinical assessment and management of ...

American Family Physician : Article

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2002/0301/p871.html

Choosing Drug Therapy for Patients with Hyperlipidemia - American Family Physician

Jun 1, 2000 - Almost 13 million American adults require drug therapy to meet the low-density lipoprotein goals set by the National Cholesterol Education Program. Attempts to achieve these goals through diet and exercise are often unsuccessful. Major studies in recent years have demonstrated that ...

American Family Physician : Article

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2000/0601/p3371.html

Chronic Critical Limb Ischemia: Diagnosis, Treatment and Prognosis - American Family ...

Apr 1, 1999 - Chronic critical limb ischemia is manifested by pain at rest, nonhealing wounds and gangrene. Ischemic rest pain is typically described as a burning pain in the arch or distal foot that occurs while the patient is recumbent but is relieved when the patient returns to a position in which...

American Family Physician : Article

https://www.aafp.org/afp/1999/0401/p1899.html

Combination Antihypertensive Drugs: Recommendations for Use - American Family Physician

May 15, 2000 - The recommendation for first-line therapy for hypertension remains a beta blocker or diuretic given in a low dosage. A target blood pressure of less than 140/90 mm Hg is achieved in about 50 percent of patients treated with monotherapy; two or more agents from different pharmacologic ...

American Family Physician : Article

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2000/0515/p3049.html

Common Questions About the Initial Management of Hypertension - American Family Physician

Feb 1, 2015 - Hypertension is the most common chronic condition treated by family physicians. Elevated blood pressure is associated with an increased risk of heart failure, myocardial infarction, cerebrovascular disease, and death. Treatment of hypertension reduces the risk of these events. Several ...

American Family Physician : Article

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2015/0201/p172.html

Contemporary Management of Angina: Part II. Medical Management of Chronic Stable Angina...

Jan 1, 2000 - Except for a small subset of patients with angina whose survival is improved with coronary artery bypass surgery, chronic stable angina can be appropriately managed with medical therapy in the vast majority of patients. Drug therapy includes aspirin, beta-adrenergic blockers, ...

American Family Physician : Article

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2000/0101/p129.html

Controlling Hypertension in Patients with Diabetes - American Family Physician

Oct 1, 2002 - Hypertension and diabetes mellitus are common diseases in the United States. Patients with diabetes have a much higher rate of hypertension than would be expected in the general population. Regardless of the antihypertensive agent used, a reduction in blood pressure helps to prevent ...

American Family Physician : Article

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2002/1001/p1209.html

Coronary Artery Disease Prevention: What's Different for Women? - American Family ...

Apr 1, 2001 - Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in women, as well as an important cause of disability, although many women and their physicians underestimate the risk. Exercise, hypertension treatment, smoking cessation and aspirin therapy are effective measures for the primary ...

American Family Physician : Article

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2001/0401/p1393.html

Current Management of Mitral Valve Prolapse - American Family Physician

Jun 1, 2000 - Mitral valve prolapse is a pathologic anatomic and physiologic abnormality of the mitral valve apparatus affecting mitral leaflet motion.

American Family Physician : Article

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2000/0601/p3343.html

Diagnosing Secondary Hypertension - American Family Physician

Jan 1, 2003 - Secondary hypertension is elevated blood pressure that results from an underlying, identifiable, often correctable cause. Only about 5 to 10 percent of hypertension cases are thought to result from secondary causes. The ABCDE mnemonic can be used to help determine a secondary cause of ...

American Family Physician : Article

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2003/0101/p67.html

Diagnosis and Evaluation of Heart Failure - American Family Physician

Jun 15, 2012 - Heart failure is a common clinical syndrome characterized by dyspnea, fatigue, and signs of volume overload, which may include peripheral edema and pulmonary rales. Heart failure has high morbidity and mortality rates, especially in older persons. Many conditions, such as coronary ...

American Family Physician : Article

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2012/0615/p1161.html

Diagnosis and Management of Diastolic Dysfunction and Heart Failure - American Family ...

Mar 1, 2006 - Diastolic heart failure occurs when signs and symptoms of heart failure are present but left ventricular systolic function is preserved (i.e., ejection fraction greater than 45 percent). The incidence of diastolic heart failure increases with age; therefore, 50 percent of older patients...

American Family Physician : Article

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2006/0301/p841.html

Diagnosis and Treatment of Atrial Fibrillation - American Family Physician

Sep 15, 2016 - Atrial fibrillation is a supraventricular arrhythmia that adversely affects cardiac function and increases the risk of stroke. It is the most common arrhythmia and a major source of morbidity and mortality; its prevalence increases with age. Pulse rate is sensitive, but not specific, ...

American Family Physician : Article

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2016/0915/p442.html

Diagnosis and Treatment of Peripheral Arterial Disease - American Family Physician

Sep 1, 2013 - Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is atherosclerosis leading to narrowing of the major arteries distal to the aortic arch. The most common presenting symptom is claudication; however, only 10% of patients have classic claudication. Approximately 8 to 12 million Americans have PAD, ...

American Family Physician : Article

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2013/0901/p306.html

Diagnosis and Treatment of Venous Ulcers - American Family Physician

Apr 15, 2010 - Venous ulcer, also known as stasis ulcer, is the most common etiology of lower extremity ulceration, affecting approximately 1 percent of the U.S. population. Possible causes of venous ulcers include inflammatory processes resulting in leukocyte activation, endothelial damage, platelet ...

American Family Physician : Article

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2010/0415/p989.html

Diagnosis of Heart Failure in Adults - American Family Physician

Dec 1, 2004 - Heart failure is a common, progressive, complex clinical syndrome with high morbidity and mortality. Coronary artery disease is its most common cause. The evaluation of symptomatic patients with suspected heart failure is directed at confirming the diagnosis, determining the cause, ...

American Family Physician : Article

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2004/1201/p2145.html

Diagnosis of Secondary Hypertension: An Age-Based Approach - American Family Physician

Dec 15, 2010 - Secondary hypertension is a type of hypertension with an underlying, potentially correctable cause. A secondary etiology may be suggested by symptoms (e.g., flushing and sweating suggestive of pheochromocytoma), examina- tion findings (e.g., a renal bruit suggestive of renal artery ...

American Family Physician : Article

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2010/1215/p1471.html

Diastolic Heart Failure: The Challenges of Diagnosis and Treatment - American Family ...

Jun 1, 2004 - Diastolic heart failure, a major cause of morbidity and mortality, is defined as symptoms of heart failure in a patient with preserved left ventricular function. It is characterized by a stiff left ventricle with decreased compliance and impaired relaxation, which leads to increased end...

American Family Physician : Article

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2004/0601/p2609.html

Diet and Physical Activity for Cardiovascular Disease Prevention - American Family ...

Jun 1, 2016 - Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in the United States. One-third of these deaths may be preventable through healthy lifestyle choices including diet and physical activity. The Mediterranean diet is associated with reduced cardiovascular mortality, whereas the ...

American Family Physician : Article

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2016/0601/p919.html

Dietary Therapy for Children with Hypercholesterolemia - American Family Physician

Feb 1, 2000 - Accumulating evidence clearly shows that atherosclerosis begins in youth. The National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) has recommended that children at high risk of developing coronary artery disease as adults be screened so that those with elevated low-density lipoprotein (LDL) ...

American Family Physician : Article

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2000/0201/p675.html

Dietary Therapy for Preventing and Treating Coronary Artery Disease - American Family ...

Mar 15, 1998 - Nearly one half of Americans die of cardiovascular disease. The morbidity and mortality associated with coronary artery disease is strongly related to abnormal lipid levels, oxidation of lipids and intra-arterial clot formation. Nutrition powerfully influences each of these factors. ...

American Family Physician : Article

https://www.aafp.org/afp/1998/0315/p1299.html

Diets for Health: Goals and Guidelines - American Family Physician

Jun 1, 2018 - Diet is the single most significant risk factor for disability and premature death. Patients and physicians often have difficulty staying abreast of diet trends, many of which focus primarily on weight loss rather than nutrition and health. Recommending an eating style can help patients...

American Family Physician : Article

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2018/0601/p721.html

Digoxin Therapy for Heart Failure: An Update - American Family Physician

Aug 15, 2006 - Digoxin therapy has long been used to treat heart failure; however, its effectiveness was not completely known until recently. Results of the Digitalis Investigation Group trial showed that adding digoxin to standard heart failure therapy had no effect on mortality. However, adding ...

American Family Physician : Article

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2006/0815/p613.html

Drugs for Conversion of Atrial Fibrillation - American Family Physician

Aug 1, 1998 - Atrial fibrillation is the most common arrhythmia in patients visiting a primary care practice. Although many patients with atrial fibrillation experience relief of symptoms with control of the heart rate, some patients require restoration of sinus rhythm. External direct current (DC) ...

American Family Physician : Article

https://www.aafp.org/afp/1998/0801/p471.html

Edema: Diagnosis and Management - American Family Physician

Jul 15, 2013 - Edema is an accumulation of fluid in the interstitial space that occurs as the capillary filtration exceeds the limits of lymphatic drainage, producing noticeable clinical signs and symptoms. The rapid development of generalized pitting edema associated with systemic disease requires ...

American Family Physician : Article

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2013/0715/p102.html