Hypertension and its management through pharmacotherapy and phytotherapy: A review article

Abstract

Hypertension remains one of the leading modifiable risk factors for cardiovascular morbidity

and mortality worldwide. Despite improvements in awareness and therapeutic options, its

global prevalence continues to rise, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where

lifestyle transitions and limited healthcare access hinder effective management. The review

asses the prevalence and associated comorbidities of hypertension and their risk factor and

also discuss advances in its management through pharmacotherapy and emerging Phyto

therapeutic interventions. Recent studies and clinical guidelines from PubMed, WHO, and

international hypertension societies were reviewed, focusing on prevalence data, management

guidelines, and the pharmacological and Phyto therapeutic approaches to blood pressure

control. Current estimates indicate that more than 1.4 billion adults worldwide have

hypertension, with the highest burden in developing nations. Urban populations in South Asia

exhibit prevalence rates exceeding 35%, with Pakistan showing uncontrolled hypertension in

nearly half of diagnosed patients. Pharmacological management using diuretics, ACE

inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers, calcium channel blockers, and beta-blockers remains

the cornerstone of therapy. Recent interest in phytotherapy, including Hibiscus sabdariffa,

Allium sativum (garlic), and green tea extracts, demonstrates modest but significant blood

pressure lowering effects through antioxidant, vasorelaxant, and diuretic mechanisms. An

integrated management approach combining evidence-based pharmacotherapy, lifestyle

modification, and scientifically validated Phyto therapeutic agents may improve blood

pressure control and reduce cardiovascular risk, particularly in resource-limited settings.