Question

A 60-year-old man with type 2 diabetes (diagnosed 3 years ago) attends his GP for a cardiovascular risk review. He has no known cardiovascular disease. His blood pressure averages 138/82 mmHg and total cholesterol is 5.2 mmol/L, HDL-cholesterol 0.9 mmol/L. Using the Australian CVD Risk Calculator, his 5-year absolute risk is estimated at 12%. According to current Australian guidelines, which statement best reflects management of his blood pressure?

Accepted Answer

Blood pressure-lowering medication should be offered because he is at high 5-year CVD risk, even though blood pressure is <140/90 mmHg

Answer

Pharmacological blood pressure treatment is not indicated until systolic blood pressure is ≥160 mmHg

Answer

Blood pressure-lowering medication is only indicated if he has persistent albuminuria

Answer

Lifestyle measures alone are recommended until blood pressure reaches ≥150/95 mmHg

Answer

Antihypertensive therapy is reserved for patients with prior myocardial infarction or stroke

Practice question