BMJ  2006;333 (28 October), doi:10.1136/bmj.333.7574.0-d

Monitor renal function and electrolytes in hypertension

Patients' renal function and electrolyte concentrations should be monitored as part of treatment evaluation in hypertension because several classes of antihypertensives can lead to poor renal perfusion and abnormal electrolyte concentrations. In this guide to good practice, Martin and Coleman (p 896) examine two cases where drug treatment of hypertension precipitated serious problems detected by blood electrolyte analysis. The authors highlight the high incidence of underlying renovascular disease in patients with hypertension and issue caution about using potassium sparing agents.

Credit: PAUL RAPSON/SPL

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Monitoring renal function in hypertension

Una Martin and Jamie J Coleman
BMJ 2006 333: 896-899. [Extract] [Full Text] [PDF]