Table 2. Tests to screen for adverse treatment effects of antihypertensives for patients on stable treatment — overview of answers to filtering question and consensus meeting outcomes
Test panel, testCondition targeted by testAre people on these medications at increased risk?Can you intervene?Benefits of earlier detection?CM outcomesFinal decision
HbA1C Type 2 diabetes mellitus
No (good evidence) for ACE, ARBs, CCCM1: 89% excludeExclude
Yes for TTDs (good evidence)Yes (change medications)Yes (change medications sooner)CM1: 89% include for TTDsInclude
Renal function tests Kidney injuryNo evidence for CCBs or TTDs
ACEis and ARBs: inconsistent (moderate evidence from RR: 2 SR)
Yes (change medications)Yes (change medications sooner)CM1 more evidence needed
CM2 80% exclude
Exclude
eGFR
Urea
Blood electrolyte tests
PotassiumHyper- or hypokalaemiaACEis and ARBs: Yes (good evidence)
No evidence for CCBs, RRD, or TTDs
Yes (change medications)Yes (change medications sooner)CM1 more evidence needed
CM2 80% include
Include
SodiumHyper- or hyponatraemiaYes for TTDsYes (change medications)Yes (change medications sooner)CM1: not considered
CM2: 80% include
Include
Liver function tests Liver disease and damageNo evidence; consensus that people with HTN not at increased risk of these side effects than others taking drugsCM1 100% exclude
CM2 100% exclude
Exclude
Albumin
Alkaline phosphatase
Alanine aminotransferase
Aspartate aminotransferase
Bilirubin
Gamma glutamyl transpeptidase
Total protein
Haematinics Anaemia and deficiency typeNo evidenceCM1 100% exclude
CM2 100% exclude
Exclude
  • ACEi = angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor. ARB = angiotensin II receptor blocker. CM = consensus meeting. CM1 = first CM. CM2 = second CM. CCB = calcium channel blocker. eGFR = estimated glomerular filtration rate. HbA1C = glycosylated haemoglobin. HTN = . RR = . RRD = . SR = . TTD = thiazide-type diuretic.