Final answer:
Pharmacologic treatment for hypertension in those under 60 is recommended when blood pressure is constantly at or above 130/80 mmHg. Treatment includes medications like thiazide-diuretics, calcium channel blockers, and ACE inhibitors if lifestyle changes are insufficient. The aim is to keep blood pressure below 140/90 mmHg, reducing the risk of cardiovascular complications.
Step-by-step explanation:
In patients under 60 years of age with hypertension, pharmacologic treatment is generally recommended when blood pressure levels are persistently at or above 130/80 mmHg.
The decision to initiate medication considers factors such as cardiovascular disease risk, including a history of stroke, and the presence of coexisting conditions. Lifestyle modifications are the first line of treatment; however, if these are insufficient, antihypertensive medications like thiazide-diuretics, calcium channel blockers, ACE inhibitors, and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) may be prescribed. It's crucial to achieve blood pressure control to reduce the risk of complications such as heart attack or stroke.
The goal is typically a blood pressure less than 140/90 mmHg, with careful monitoring to avoid diastolic pressures falling below 60 mmHg. Most people require a combination of medications to control their hypertension effectively.