2010 Hong Kong Reference Framework for Hypertension Care for ...

Chapter 8.Component 3: Clinical Care OfAdults With HypertensionEffective treatment of hypertension can prevent or delay many of itscomplications, especially cardiovascular and renal complications. Medicationfor the control of blood pressure also plays an important role. More importantly,the management of hypertension depends on the commitment of the patient toparticipate proactively in self-management, adopting healthy lifestyle practices,and prompt detection and treatment of emerging cardiovascular risk factors andcomplications.8.1 Initial assessment and investigation of patient with hypertensionUpon diagnosis, primary care practitioners should perform comprehensiveassessment to assess co-existing cardiovascular risk factors or other problemsthat may affect prognosis and treatment (Box 1). Module 3 denotes the findingssuspicious of secondary hypertension. Module 4 provides details regarding theassessment and investigations for individual newly diagnosed with hypertension.Box 1 Cardiovascular risk factors 1●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●Cigarette smokingObesityPhysical inactivityDyslipidaemiaDiabetes mellitusMicroalbuminuria or estimated GFR < 60 m/minAge (older than 55 for men, 65 for women)Family history of essential hypertension and premature cardiovasculardisease (men under 55 or women under 65)HK Reference Framework for Hypertension Care for Adults in Primary Care Settings8