This module supports you to develop essential knowledge, skills, and confidence in understanding the mechanisms, causes, risks, and treatment for hypertension.

This has primarily been designed for pharmacists working in general practice, community pharmacy and secondary care but may also be useful for pharmacists working in other settings.

Estimated completion time: 40 minutes

Learning from this module complements content covered in the following module: Clinical assessment skills

Learning objectives

After completing this module, you should be able to:

1. Identify the prevalence rates of hypertension, recognise populations at higher risk, and highlight the burden of hypertension on healthcare systems
2. Briefly describe the mechanisms leading to elevated blood pressure, including the roles of the sympathetic nervous system, renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) and endothelial function, as well as the consequences of prolonged hypertension on cardiovascular health
3. Recognise potential causes of hypertension, differentiate between primary and secondary hypertension, and identify modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors
4. Evaluate the increased risks of cardiovascular events, such as heart attack, stroke, and heart failure in hypertensive patients, and emphasise the importance of regular monitoring and lifestyle modifications
5. Apply guidelines to develop and manage treatment plans for hypertensive patients, including pharmacological therapies, lifestyle interventions, and patient education, ensuring personalised and evidence-based care