Nurse prescribing for the management of hypertension

Abstract

This article focuses on the importance of making a correct diagnosis of hypertension in line with National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidance. The evidence-based approach to managing hypertension is discussed with reference to pharmacological treatments and lifestyle interventions. It is important that nurses know how to correctly measure blood pressure, particularly as ambulatory and home blood pressure monitoring should provide the basis for the diagnosis and decisions relating to patient management of hypertension. The different types of hypertension (stage 1, stage 2, severe and white coat hypertension) are described. The evidence-based approach to managing hypertension is then discussed with reference to pharmacological treatments and lifestyle interventions. This discussion is accompanied by the ACD algorithm highlighting the first four steps in hypertension treatment.