Management of hypertension in patients with coronary artery disease

Abstract

The management of hypertensive patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) should be started with lifestyle modification for reduction of coronary risk factors. As the principle of drug therapy, rapid decrease in blood pressure below the limits of coronary auto-regulation must be avoided. Clinical trials showed J-curved relationship between diastolic pressure and mortality was not found above 75 mmHg. The current desired goal of blood pressure in patients with CAD might be suggested as 125-140/85-75 mmHg. Pulse pressure should be recognized as a strong predictor for CAD as well as systolic and diastolic blood pressure, especially in elderly patients. The choice of drug therapy have to be based on efficiency in clinical trials, side effects, and also particular condition of each patient.