| Guideline | Indication for pharmacological therapy |
| Low cardiovascular risk | BP ≥ 160/100 mm Hg |
| Moderate to high CV risk | ≥ 140/90 mm Hg |
| Choice of antihypertensive | Single drug at lowest recommended dose >>>> ACE inhibitors >>>>DHP >>>>Thiazide Diuretics (If 65 or older) 4-6 week to access the treatment Inadequate effect: Add a second antihypertensive rather than increasing the dose of the first Preferred combination: >>>>ACE inhibitors + CCB /Thiazide >>>>CCB +Thiazide >>>>ACE inhibitors + Beta blockers If both drugs are tolerated increase the dose of one agent (non-thiazide) towards maximum, if this is still inadequate increase the dose of the other antihypertensive |
| Number of antihypertensive | For each 10 mm Hg increase from the target (140mmHg) 1 drug added |
