Effective Diagnosis, Treatment,
and Monitoring of Hypertension
in Primary Care
Participant Guide
3
Treatment of Hypertension
Content should be adapted with country-specific information prior to use.
Red text denotes places where modification may be required. Guidance on
how to adapt the training is provided in the Course Overview
Expected competency on completion of session:
Ability to treat patients with hypertension using standardized protocol,
follow-up for adherence to treatment, and manage associated co-
morbidities to achieve target blood pressure (BP) control.
Target users:
Health care providers
Facility managers
District supervisors
In this session, you will gain knowledge on:
• Essential BP treatment components
• Who should receive treatment for high BP
• Medications used for treating hypertension
• BP treatment targets
• Special considerations
• Compliance with long-term clinic follow-up and medication
adherence.
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3.1 Hypertension treatment
Hypertension treatment and management can be successful, if it is:
• Available as needed
• Affordable by all patients, in terms of access to clinics and cost/availability of
medication
• Adjustable to allow for practical and feasible implementation in primary
health care clinics.
3.2 Essential treatment components
There are five essential treatment components to a successful treatment approach:
1. Adoption of simple and detailed protocols
2. Establishment of operational procedures that enable task-sharing and streamline
the patient approach
3. Regular and uninterrupted supply of medications that ensure uninterrupted
treatment
4. Patient-centered services that reduce barriers to adherence and facilitate better
communication
5. An information system that allows real-time feedback to facilitate continuous
programme improvement.
3.3 Who should be screened?
Many people with hypertension may not be diagnosed because:
• Individuals with elevated BP often do not present with any symptoms
• They have never been tested.
It is therefore important to:
• Screen all adults ≥18 years old for elevated BP
• Repeat screening at least one week later if BP is elevated
[Include definitions based on country guidelines/protocol]
• Provide lifestyle counselling for patients with BP of SBP 130-139 mmHg
and/or DBP 80-89 mmHg who do not have other CVD risk factors
• Start pharmacological treatment for patients with elevated BP after diagnosis
confirmation at follow-up visit.
KEY POINT
Pharmacologically treat all individuals whose BP is ≥140 mmHg
and/or ≥90 mmHg after diagnosis confirmation at follow-up visit.
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3.4 Available medications for treating hypertension
There are three main classes of medication that are usually in the first line of
treatment for hypertension:
1. Calcium Channel Blockers (CCB)
2. Angiotensin Converting Enzyme inhibitors (ACE inhibitors or ACE-I) and
Angiotensin Receptor Blockers (ARBs)
3. Diuretics.
Other classes, such as vasodilators, centrally acting agents, and beta blockers, can
also be considered in particular cases. It is important to be familiar with and to
consider the side effects of different medications in order to make informed decisions
and recognize side effects in follow up.
Medications used for treatment of hypertension
[NAME OF DRUG]: Calcium channel blocker (CCB)
• Dose: [NUMBER] mg once a day*
• Common adverse effects: Ankle oedema
• Metabolic monitoring not required.
[NAME OF DRUG]: Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor (ACE-I)
• Dose: [NUMBER] mg once a day*
• Use in special patients: Should not be given to women who are or may
become pregnant.
• Common side effects: Cough
• Before initiating, and several weeks after increasing dose, consider checking
serum creatinine and potassium, especially in people at high risk for renal
injury and/or hyperkalaemia (for example individuals with advanced age,
chronic kidney disease (CKD), atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD),
or at high risk for ASCVD).
[NAME OF DRUG]: Angiotensin receptor blockers (ARB)
• Dose: [NUMBER] mg once a day*
• Use in special patients: Should not be given to women who are or may
become pregnant.
• Before initiating, and several weeks after increasing dose, consider checking
serum creatinine and potassium, especially in people at high risk for renal
injury and/or hyperkalaemia (for example individuals with advanced age, CKD,
ASCVD, or at high risk for ASCVD.
*Doses mentioned are “usual starting dose” and “usual intensification dose”
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[NAME OF DRUG]: Thiazide-like diuretic
• Dose: [NUMBER] mg once a day*
• Use in special patients: Should not be given to women who are or may
become pregnant.
• Common side effects: hypokalaemia, can aggravate gout
• Before initiating, and several weeks after increasing dose, consider checking
serum creatinine and potassium, especially in people at high risk for renal
injury (for example individuals with advanced age, CKD, ASCVD, or at high risk
for ASCVD).
In addition to the above antihypertensive medications, the medicines given below are
being used in specific cases:
• Beta blocker: Beta blockers are not recommended as first line therapy.
Dosage varies based on specific medicine. If a heart attack has been
diagnosed within the previous three years, or there is atrial fibrillation or
heart failure, then a beta blocker should be added to the starting dose of
antihypertensive medication. Patients with angina may also benefit from
treatment with a beta blocker.
• Low-dose aspirin: [NUMBER] mg aspirin once a day is recommended to be
given to patients with any history of heart attack or stroke.
• Statin: [NUMBER] mg is recommended in patients with any history of heart
attack or stroke.
o Use in special patients: Should not be given to women who are or may
become pregnant.
*Doses mentioned are “usual starting dose” and “usual intensification dose”
Drug selection
General principles for selection of drugs are:
• Most people need two or more classes of BP medications to reach target
• Two medications of same class are not advisable
• Taking ACE-Is and ARBs together is not advisable
• Reach intensification dose of first agent before starting another class.
Based on these considerations, the Global Hearts Initiative’sHEARTS technical package
contains sample hypertension protocols that are available for governments to choose
or adapt according to their needs. In [COUNTRY], states have adapted these protocols
by consensus of experts.
States follow their respective state-specific, standardized protocols based on the
above-mentioned medications.
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3.5 Use a standardized protocol
The ability to rigorously follow a national, standardized hypertension protocol is an
important step to achieve a target BP control. It also:
• Reduces clinical variability
• Enables the health care team to guide patients safely and efficiently towards
the target BP goal
• Sends a strong signal that hypertension control is a priority.
A standardized protocol will result in a more efficient and cost-effective selection of
medications and treatment approaches and introduces simplicity in the management
of care. Protocols can be incorporated into electronic health records, where available,
and through clinical decision-support tools, registries, and quality improvement
measurements.
The standardized protocol, described in this section, is evidence-based and has been
developed by a select group of global hypertension experts. This standardized protocol
has been endorsed by the [COUNTRY] government.
This protocol will be the basis for quantification of drug requirements in
[COUNTRY/STATE]. It will also serve as a standardized reference tool for clinical
prescription, basic and in-service trainings on hypertension management, and
evaluation of quality of care and its impact.
KEY POINT
The goal of the treatment regimen is to bring systolic BP to <140
mmHg and diastolic BP to <90 mmHg.
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3.5.1 [COUNTRY/STATE] protocol
[Example from India provided below. Replace with endorsed protocol.]
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3.5.2 Protocol steps
[Example text from India provided below. Replace with text relevant to the endorsed
protocol.]
Step 1: Measure BP of all adults (age >18 years) visiting the health facility.
• If systolic BP (SBP) is ≥140 or the diastolic BP (DBP) is ≥90, repeat
measurement of BP to establish the diagnosis, and antihypertensive therapy
should be started as per standardized protocol.
• The target BP to be achieved is <140/90.
Step 2: The medical officer should initiate treatment with amlodipine 5 mg
and schedule patient for a follow-up visit after one month.
• During the follow-up visit measure BP, assess treatment adherence and any
side effects.
• If BP is <140/90 during the follow-up visit, the same treatment is continued
and monthly follow-up visits are scheduled.
Step 3: If BP is above target value during the monthly review, the medical officer
should increase the dose of amlodipine to 10 mg and schedule patient for a follow-
up visit after one month.
• During the follow-up visit measure BP, assess treatment adherence and any
side effects.
• If BP is <140/90 during the follow-up visit, the same treatment is continued
and monthly follow-up visits are scheduled.
Step 4: If BP is above target value during the monthly review, the medical officer
should add telmisartan 40 mg as a second medication and schedule patient for a
follow-up visit after one month.
• During the follow-up visit measure BP, assess treatment adherence and any
side effects.
• If BP is <140/90 during the follow-up visit, the same treatment is continued
and monthly follow-up visits are scheduled.
Step 5: If BP is above target value during the monthly review, the medical officer
should increase the dose of telmisartan to 80 mg and schedule patient for a follow-
up visit after one month.
• During the follow-up visit, measure BP, assess treatment adherence and any
side effects.
• If BP is <140/90 during the follow-up visit, the same treatment is continued
and monthly follow-up visits are scheduled.
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Step 6: If BP is above target value during the monthly review, the medical officer
should add chlorthalidone 12.5 mg as a third medication and schedule patient for a
follow-up visit after one month. If chlorthalidone is not available, the medical
officer can prescribe hydrochlorothiazide 25 mg.
• During the follow-up visit measure BP, assess treatment adherence and any
side effects.
• If BP is <140/90 during the follow-up visit, the same treatment is continued
and monthly follow-up visits are scheduled.
Step 7: If BP is above target value during the monthly review, the medical officer
should increase the dose of chlorthalidone to 25 mg and schedule patient for a
follow-up visit after one month. If chlorthalidone is not available, the medical officer
can prescribe hydrochlorothiazide 50 mg.
• During the follow-up visit measure BP, assess treatment adherence and any
side effects.
• If BP is <140/90 during the follow-up visit, the same treatment is continued
and monthly follow-up visits are scheduled.
Step 8: If BP is above target value during the monthly review, make sure that the
patient has been taking medications regularly and correctly. If, in spite of taking
medicines regularly and correctly, the BP is not <140/90, then refer the patient to
a specialist. [End of inserted text from India]
3.5.3 Consideration for specific patients
When we apply any protocol, we need to take into consideration special provisions for
certain patient groups. Adjustments can be made to address the needs of these
patients, for example:
• ACE inhibitors, ARBs, and thiazide/thiazide-like diuretics should not be given
to pregnant women. Women of childbearing potential should be on highly
effective contraception when prescribed these medications.
• Diabetes protocol should be followed for diabetic patients.
• Addition of a beta blocker daily with amlodipine should be considered if
patient has had a heart attack in the previous three years.
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• Initiation of a low dose of aspirin is recommended if patient has any history of
heart attack or stroke.
• If the protocol is followed but the BP of a patient is not lowered according to
the guidelines, make sure that the patient is taking the medication regularly
and as prescribed. If this is confirmed, consider referring the patient to a
specialist for further evaluation.
3.5.4 Lifestyle management advice
Any protocol implementation should be accompanied by healthy lifestyle choices.
Nonpharmacological treatment (lifestyle modification or management) should be
strongly encouraged and will complement pharmacological treatment and
enhance overall health. Practical advice is as follows:
• Advise all patients to avoid tobacco use and limit alcohol intake.
• Suggest ways for patients to increase physical activity, improving overall
health and weight control.
• Discuss modifications for a healthy diet – reduce salt intake, use healthy oils,
increase fruit and vegetable intake, limit red meat, choose fish and foods rich
in omega 3 fatty acids, avoid added sugar, and limit consumption of fried
foods, processed foods and foods high in saturated fat.
3.5.5 Treatment continuation by non-physician health staff
[Example text from India provided below. Replace with country-specific text.]
The initiation of treatment and the increase in dose or addition of a new medicine is
by the medical officer. Thus, until BP reaches the target value the patient will continue
to follow-up with the medical officer. Thereafter, the patient can be under the care of
non-physician health staff of the nearest sub-centre for monthly follow-up visits. The
non-physician health staff should measure BP and check for adherence to therapy at
each monthly visit. If BP is controlled, the non-physician health staff can provide drugs,
which the patient was already taking, for one month. If BP is above target value or any
side effects are noticed during any monthly visit, the patient should be referred to the
medical officer.
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EXERCISE 1: CASE SCENARIOS:
TREATMENT OF HYPERTENSION
Complete this exercise in a small group or as an individual, as instructed by your
facilitator.
1. Read the assigned case scenario and answer the questions presented.
2. When all groups have completed the task, the facilitator will lead a review of the
responses.
Case 1
A 55-year-old man has been found to have a BP reading of 172/104.
1. How should the doctor manage this patient? (Work through yourcountry’s
protocol.)
2. He was started on [NUMBER] mg [CALCIUM CHANNEL BLOCKER]. During monthly
follow-up, BP continues to be 152/94. How would you manage this patient?
Case 2
A patient previously diagnosed with hypertension comes to the primary health clinic
to see the doctor. He is 70 years old. He asks for [SPECIFIC ACE INHIBITOR] and says he
takes it regularly. The doctor measures his BP and finds it is 132/84. However,
[SPECIFIC ACE INHIBITOR] is not in the drug protocol of the [COUNTRY/STATE].
1. What should the doctor advise if patient’s BP is 132/84?
2. What should the doctor advise if patient’s BP is 162/102?
Case 3
A patient previously diagnosed with hypertension comes to the primary health clinic to
see the doctor. She is 60 years old, a non-smoker and her blood pressure is 152/86.
She is on atenolol 50 mg od. She does not have any history of heart attack.
1. What advice should the doctor give?
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Case 4
A 40-year-old patient known to have diabetes comes to the doctor and is found to
have a blood pressure of 152/96. She has an old record from four months ago that
shows a blood pressure of 144/92. She is not on any treatment.
1. Should any investigations be done for her before starting treatment?
2. What medications should she be started on?
3. What other history should the doctor elicit?
Case 5
A 65-year-old woman is on 10 mg of amlodipine. Her BP is 136/87. During the
follow-up visit, the doctor examines her ankles to see how her pedal oedema is
doing.
1. How should the doctor manage this patient?
3.6 Ensuring adherence to medications
To promote adherence, the health system has adopted the following strategies:
1. Standardized protocol
2. [STRATEGY 2]
3. [STRATEGY 3, etc.]
Additionally, patients should be counselled on the diagnosis and required treatment:
• Ensure the patient understands the diagnosis and the need for life-long
treatment.
• Explain the difference between medication for long-term control (e.g. of BP)
and medication for quick relief (such as for headaches).
• Explain the damage to target organs if medication is not taken regularly.
• Teach the patient how to take the medication at home.
o Show the patient the appropriate dose.
o Explain how many times a day the patient should take the medication and
at what time.
o Explain how you have labelled and packaged the tablets.
o Check the patient’s understanding before the patient leaves the health
centre.
• Explain the importance of keeping a sufficient supply of medication at home
until the next visit to the health facility.
• Explain the importance of taking the medication regularly as advised, even if
there are no symptoms.
• Explain potential adverse effects of the medication and what to do.
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Address the need for patient reminders:
• Encourage patients to use medication reminders, such as alarms or
smartphone applications.
• Implement patient reminder systems, such as e-mail, phone calls, or text
messages, where possible, to ensure patients adhere to their medication
regimen.
Physicians can help to increase a patient’s motivation by:
• Facilitating a good patient–healthcare provider relationship
• Providing positive feedback (i.e., praise adherence through positive feedback)
• Ensuring an uninterrupted supply of medication at the health facility so that
drugs are available for the patient at each visit.
EXERCISE 2:
DISCUSSION: DRUG SELECTION CONSIDERATIONS
Discuss the following questions:
• How important is the choice of individual drugs in a drug class (i.e., Lisinopril
v. Ramipril for ACE-I)?
• Why are beta blockers not included as a first- or second-line treatment,
except for those who just had a heart attack?
• What is the risk of hypokalaemia among patients receiving a diuretic?
EXERCISE 3:
ROLE PLAY EXERCISE: ADHERENCE TO TREATMENT
The facilitator will ask for two volunteers to act out this scene in front of the group.
Role 1: A patient who was diagnosed as having hypertension 6 months ago and was
initiated on treatment. He/she has no symptoms and has inconsistently taken
medication. BP is 150/102.
Role 2: A health care provider who needs to elicit the patient’s history of taking
medication and convince the patient to be consistent.
Sources
• HEARTS technical package: Access to medications module. Geneva: World Health
Organization; 2016.
• HEARTS technical package: Evidence-based protocol module. Geneva: World Health
Organization; 2016.
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