Hypertension is organized by Nurse.com - OnCourse Learning Corporation and will be held from Apr 05, 2018 - Apr 05, 2021. This CME Conference has been approved for a maximum of 1.0 Contact Hours.

Course Description:
The prevalence of hypertension in the United States has increased dramatically over the past few decades, affecting more than 80 million American adults 20 years and older. Hypertension is the most common condition seen in the primary care setting. From 2003 to 2013, the death rate from high blood pressure increased 8.2% with the actual number of deaths increasing 34.7%. The 2014 Evidence-Based Guideline for the Management of High Blood Pressure in Adults: Report From the Panel Members Appointed to the Eighth Joint National Committee (JNC 8) is the current guideline released in January 2014 to help in the management of hypertension. Fewer than half of Americans with hypertension have met the established blood pressure goals. The prevalence of hypertension is highest in non-Hispanic blacks, tends to be higher in women, and increases with advancing age. Recent data suggests that even people free of hypertension at age 55 still have a 90% lifetime risk of developing high blood pressure. Because there are so many Americans with hypertension, it is vital for healthcare professionals to recognize hypertension and be familiar with the most common treatments, including lifestyle changes and medications.

Goal and Learning Outcomes:
The goal of this continuing education module is to inform nurses, dietitians, pharmacists, physical therapists, physicians, and radiologic technologists about current guidelines and drug therapy for the management of hypertension. After studying the information presented here, you will be able to:

• State blood pressure goals in patients with uncomplicated hypertension and in patients with diabetes or renal disease
• Discuss the five components of lifestyle modification
• Discuss the four classes of antihypertensive drugs recommended as first-line agents known to reduce the complications associated with hypertension