The researchers track record so far has been good. This is a controllable disease, Rahman said. About one million deaths occur annually in the United States that can be attributed to hypertension-related cardiovascular and kidney diseases. With 244 patients, Rahman s team has been the top recruiter in the United States. The project examines the effects of the medications Felodipime, Enalapril, Metoprolol and Hydrochlorothiazide, as well as the newest type of high blood pressure medicine, angiotensin receptor blockers, which have very few side effects.
Symptoms of hypertension can include headache, blurred vision and shortness ofbreath.
These signs can lead to stroke, heart failure, heart attack and kidney failure. There is no magic bullet with this disease, Rahman said. What we have found to be most effective is good communication, providing medication on time, making sure the patient feels like a team player, and convincing patients to take their medication consistently. The University of Texas Houston Health Science Center. Permission to reprint is available upon request.