Method for evaluating and treating hypertension

Abstract

The Laragh Method is a novel method useful for evaluating and treating hypertensive patients. The Laragh Method provides a systematic approach for the physician to use volume vasoconstriction information with entry and induced changes in blood pressure and in ambulatory plasma renin levels for the rational selection of treatment tailored to suit each individual hypertensive patient. The Laragh Method provides a systematic and rational approach to drug selection which greatly improves the therapeutic success rate among hypertensive patients and which for the large majority provides long-term blood pressure control with one drug instead of two or two instead of three with each drug rationally targeted to control the renin and/or volume elements in the blood pressure equation.

1 - 13 . (canceled)  
     
     
         14 . A method of treating a hypertensive patient having a PRA greater than or equal to about 0.65 ng/ml/hr comprising: 
 A. administering to the patient a low dose R drug;    B. after step A measuring the patient's BP and if the patient's BP is not controlled, administering to the patient an increased dose of the R drug.    
     
     
         15 . A method for treating patients with hypertension who have a medium to high level plasma renin activity (PRA), comprising: 
 A. prescribing a R drug at a low dose;    B. increasing the dose of the R drug if a patient's blood pressure (BP) is not adequately controlled after A;    C. prescribing a V drug at a low dose in addition to the R drug if a patient's BP is not adequately controlled after B;    D. increasing the dose of the V drug if a patient's BP is not adequately controlled after C, and measuring the PRA.    
     
     
         16 . A method for treating patients with hypertension who have a low level plasma renin activity (PRA), comprising: 
 A. prescribing a V drug at a low dose;    B. increasing the dose of the V drug if a patient's blood pressure (BP) is not adequately controlled after A.    
     
     
         17 . A method for treating patients with hypertension who have a low level plasma renin activity (PRA), comprising: 
 A. prescribing a V drug at a low dose;    B. increasing the dose of the V drug if a patient's blood pressure (BP) is not adequately controlled after A;    C. prescribing a R drug at a low dose in addition to the V drug if a patient's BP is not adequately controlled after B;    D. increasing the dose of the R drug if a patient's BP is not adequately controlled after C, and measuring the PRA.