A 48-year-old man was noted to have elevated blood pressure at a health fair and is in the office for follow-up. He states that 3 weeks ago his blood pressure was recorded at 162/96. He has no significant past medical history and takes no medications. He smokes 1 1/2 packs of cigarettes per day, drinks alcohol regularly, and exercises infrequently. He is about 40 pounds overweight and admits to a high-fat, high-calorie diet. At his visit today, his blood pressure is 150/92. What is the least appropriate intervention at this time?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The patient’s blood pressure is persistently elevated and at a level that puts him at risk for cardiovascular disease. Given his lifestyle habits, it is unlikely that lifestyle modifications alone will be sufficient to lower his blood pressure to a safe level. Therefore, beginning antihypertensive drug therapy is the most appropriate intervention at this time. Rechecking blood pressure in 4 to 6 weeks and encouraging smoking cessation are also important interventions, but they should be done in conjunction with starting drug therapy.

A 48-Year-Old Man Was Noted to Have Elevated Blood Pressure