What should be monitored in patients starting antihypertensive therapy?

Monitoring blood pressure and signs of hypotension in patients starting antihypertensive therapy is crucial for several reasons. When patients begin treatment for hypertension, the primary goal is to effectively lower blood pressure to prevent complications such as stroke or heart attack. Therefore, regularly checking blood pressure ensures that the treatment is achieving its intended effect.

Additionally, it's important to monitor for signs of hypotension, which can occur as a result of antihypertensive medications lowering blood pressure too much. Symptoms such as dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting may indicate that blood pressure is dropping to unsafe levels. Detecting these signs early allows for timely intervention, which can include adjusting the medication dosage or switching to a different medication.

In contrast to this, while monitoring weight gain, blood glucose levels, and heart rate may be relevant in different contexts or for certain patients, they are not the primary concerns directly related to the initiation of antihypertensive therapy. Weight gain might indicate fluid retention but isn't the immediate focus. Blood glucose levels are important, particularly in patients with diabetes, but they're not a standard part of monitoring new antihypertensive therapy. Heart rate can be relevant because some antihypertensive medications affect it, but the focus remains firmly on blood pressure and