ADVANCES IN THE TREATMENT OF ARTERIAL HYPERTENSION: AN INTEGRATIVE ANALYSIS

Abstract

High blood pressure is a globally prevalent health condition associated with a significantly increased risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. This article presents an integrative analysis of recent advances in the treatment of hypertension, focusing on pharmacological, non-pharmacological approaches, personalized medicine and monitoring technologies. The analysis reveals that notable pharmacological advances have occurred in recent decades, with an emphasis on therapeutic classes such as inhibitors angiotensin II converting enzyme (ACE) and angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARB), which have demonstrated solid efficacy in reducing blood pressure and preventing cardiovascular events. These pharmacological advances provide diverse therapeutic options for healthcare professionals, allowing for a more personalized approach to treating hypertension. Furthermore, promoting lifestyle changes, including reducing sodium intake, increasing physical activity and adopting a healthy diet, emerges as a key strategy in the management of hypertension. The integrative approach that combines pharmacological and non-pharmacological therapies recognizes the importance of the patient as an active collaborator in their own care. Personalized medicine represents a promising advancement, enabling targeted therapies based on individual genetic factors. However, challenges related to accessibility to genetic testing and interpretation of results must be addressed for effective implementation. Combination antihypertensive therapies have also been shown to be an effective strategy, especially in patients with treatment-resistant hypertension, offering an alternative for those who do not respond adequately to a single class of medication. The introduction of remote blood pressure monitoring technologies offers new opportunities to improve the management of hypertension, enabling more accurate and continuous monitoring of patients. However, important challenges remain, such as irregular medication adherence, variability in individual response, and the need for more effective primary prevention strategies. Furthermore, it is vital to recognize that accessibility to advanced treatments may vary in different regions of the world, resulting in disparities in the quality of care.