Review on the principles and current trends in management of hypertension and cardiovascular diseases

Abstract

This review focuses on hypertension, other cardiovascular diseases and some new developments in their managements. Hypertension is a cardiovascular disease of increasing medical and public health importance. It is a risk factor for myocardial infarction, stroke and chronic renal failure. Cardiovascular diseases have been recognized as a major cause of death in man and animals across the globe and it has placed enormous economic burden on patients, families, pet owners and national economy. A great number of pets have hypertension and cardiovascular diseases that are unnoticed until the animals are presented with sudden blindness, kidney failure and other end-organ damages. Many have been lost to cardiovascular diseases because they are under diagnosed. There is therefore, the need for proper diagnosis and management. Current classes of drugs offered in the management of hypertension in dogs include angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blocker, calcium channel blockers, vasodilators and diuretics. Current trend in the management of hypertension is the use of natural plant products and phytocompounds to reduce end organ damage. Therefore, early diagnosis and good management with orthodox anti-hypertensives and novel natural products will save the lives of pets and other animals, with attendant improvements on wellbeing of men and animals.