Hypertension in family medicine

Abstract

According to the literature, blood pressure control can only be achieved in about a quarter of patients receiving medical treatment. Poor compliance to the treatment and not seeing a family medicine specialist regularly are associated with unregulated blood pressure levels. As in many chronic non-communicable diseases, family medicine is one of the most important and first steps in the health care system for the management of hypertension. Meanwhile, when exercise and lifestyle changes are prescribed just like the medication, it was found that the results regarding blood pressure regulation were improved. The purpose of this chapter is to practically discuss the approach to hypertension in adults with the eyes of the family physician. As hypertension is one of the most common diagnoses, which is a cause of applying to family medicine centers, it will be important to look at some of its components. In this chapter, the important characteristics of hypertension and its management will be discussed. Now that all the details can be found inside the guidelines of different associations related to hypertension, explanations will be avoided. However, the practical parts of hypertension management will be emphasized for the daily routine of family physicians.