July 2022 Tip of the Month
Managing hypertension can help Chronic Kidney Disease from progressing
Uncontrolled blood pressure is the second leading cause of kidney failure in the United States, and approximately 20% of adults with hypertension may also have chronic kidney disease (CKD).*
As seen in the table below, moderate CKD equates to high risk at high to normal blood pressure.**
Treatment includes both lifestyle modifications and medication management.
Ideal characteristics of medication treatment include:
- Evidence-based in relation to morbidity/mortality prevention
- Use once-daily regimen whenever possible, which provides 24-hour blood pressure control
- Treatment should be affordable and/or cost-effective relative to other agents
- Treatments should be well-tolerated
- For older adults (≥65 yr of age) with hypertension and a high burden of comorbidity and frailty/limited life expectancy, clinical judgment, patient preference, and a team-based approach to assess risk/benefit are reasonable for decisions regarding intensity of BP lowering and choice of antihypertensive drugs
*Source: National Kidney Foundation
** Example based on 60 year old male patient. Categories of risk will vary based on age and sex.