“The Royal College of
General Practitioners (RCGP) welcomes this guidance from NICE on
the management of hypertension. The guidance has been amended
to take into account important data from recent trials. This
will help end any uncertainty about best practice.
Hypertension is a common but treatable disorder - these guidelines
will support GPs to provide appropriate, modern evidence-based
treatments for patients. Selecting the drug of choice
is complex and these guidelines will help tailor treatment to the
patient's needs.
We recognise and understand the
concern this will cause patients on beta- blockers. We emphasise
that any changes in patient treatment should be done in a careful
and planned way. Patients on beta blockers should not stop them
suddenly - for some patients beta blockers are effective for high
blood pressure. This guideline relates ONLY to the use of
beta-blockers for high blood pressure – it does NOT apply to
patients who are on beta-blockers for other conditions such as
coronary heart disease and palpitations where it is essential to
continue treatment.
Implementing this guidance and
making these changes will take time. Any patients who are
concerned should discuss this with their GP or practice nurse at
their next routine appointment. Pharmacists are also a valuable
source of support and information.
We would like to reiterate that
this guidance is good news for patients and we would urge GPs to
discuss and implement the guidelines."
Professor Mayur Lakhani, RCGP
Chairman of Council
Ends
Contact the RCGP Press
Team for more information