refractory hypertension

refractory hypertension

A condition characterized by BP ≥140/90, or ≥160/90 if > 60 and absent features of 2º HTN, maximal dose of 2+ antihypertensives is being administered, and adequate time has passed to allow the usual antihypertensives to be effective DiffDx Spurious–pseudoHTN, 'white coat' HTN, noncompliance with therapy, presence of exogenous substances that ↑ BP–alcohol, anabolic steroids, caffeine, chlorpromazine, cyclosporine, erythropoietin, MAOIs, nicotine, sympathomimetics, tricyclic antidepressants, cocaine, corticosteroids, NSAIDs, salt; obesity should be controlled