ASH

At the ASH meeting, one could get a pretty good sense of where the beta-blocker hypertension debate is headed.

The number of people who require 2 or more antihypertensives to reach target blood pressure is on the increase. So, simply stated, what goes best with what? The 2013 ASH meeting offered some good suggestions under the heading of “Within Class Differences.”

Lowering blood pressure saves lives and primary care practice is where treatment for hypertension begins.

Resistant hypertension requires aggressive treatment with multiple drugs. Spironolactone is a key addition to the regimen.

Hypertension in hospitalized patients is best treated conservatively.

More about the current move away from beta-blocker therapy for hypertension as discussed by speakers at the 2013 ASH annual meeting. Following are some more of the key points, including a discussion of so-called beta-blockers "plus."

ASH 2013 has uncovered 2 glaring gaps in the management of people with sleep disorders (OSA as well as others) and appropriate care after a stroke. Both cohorts frequent primary care practice.

Patients with resistant hypertension and hypertensive patients prone to hyperkalemia are on the rise. They are not easy to care for, but certain “tricks of the trade” can help. Details here.

The meeting's goals are to increase understanding and, perhaps, find a cure.