Blood pressure control and impact on cardiovascular events in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A critical analysis of the literature

Abstract

High blood pressure in individuals with type2 diabetes mellitus increases the risk of cardiovascular events. The international management guidelines recommend starting pharmacological treatment with blood pressure values >140/90mmHg. However, there is no optimal cut-off point from which cardiovascular events can be reduced without causing adverse events. A blood pressure range of >130/80 to <140/90mmHg seems to be adequate. These values can be achieved through non-pharmacological (diet, exercise) and pharmacological interventions (using drugs that have been shown to reduce cardiovascular events). The choice of one or several drugs must be individualised, according to factors including, ethnicity, age, and associated comorbidities, among others.

Keywords: Anti-hypertensive drugs; Antihipertensivos; Arterial hypertension; Cardiovascular; Diabetes; Hipertensión arterial.