What should be monitored in patients taking antihypertensive medications?

In patients taking antihypertensive medications, it is vital to monitor both blood pressure and heart rate. Blood pressure is the primary target of hypertensive treatments; understanding its levels helps to evaluate the effectiveness of the medication and ensure that the patient is within the target range for blood pressure management. Monitoring heart rate is also important because some antihypertensive agents can affect heart rate, either by lowering it or having other cardiovascular effects. Changes in heart rate can indicate potential adverse effects or the need to adjust medication dosages.

By keeping track of both parameters, healthcare providers can support patient safety, identify side effects early, and make necessary adjustments to treatment plans to optimize blood pressure control. This holistic approach to monitoring is essential in managing hypertension effectively.