Hypertension Management Algorithm

Abstract

The South African Hypertension Society (SAHS) Guideline 2006 will, it is anticipated, fulfil an educational role and also provide clinical direction to health care professionals involved in the management of hypertension. This most recent hypertension guideline which was published in April as a supplement to the South African Medical Journal, is the third and most comprehensive version produced by the SAHS. It has incorporated information derived from the most recent studies related to hypertension and is evidence based. Whilst significant sections of the SAHS guidelines have been adapted from similar documents compiled by European and American experts, the local experts have strived to compile a document which is relevant to and implementable in our own health care settings. The SAHS guideline 2006, is the first joint effort between the Department of Health and the SAHS. This would ensure that there is an agreed upon, uniform, national approach in the treatment of hypertension. This will hopefully reduce the impact of hypertension and cardiovascular disease in Southern Africa.