What tests are recommended for evaluating a patient with hypertension?

Evaluating a patient with hypertension involves identifying potential underlying causes and the presence of any complications related to high blood pressure. Among the recommended tests, studies focused on renal vascular disease are particularly important, as hypertension can often be secondary to renal artery stenosis or other renal dysfunctions.

The inclusion of a chest X-ray (CXR) can help assess for possible cardiac hypertrophy, heart failure, or other thoracic pathologies that could contribute to elevated blood pressure. An electrocardiogram (ECG) is crucial for identifying any cardiac complications such as left ventricular hypertrophy or arrhythmias, which are commonly associated with longstanding hypertension.

In contrast, while a complete blood count, liver function tests, or thyroid function tests may provide useful information in certain contexts, they do not directly address the evaluation of hypertension itself or its immediate complications. Similarly, a lipid panel can be useful for assessing cardiovascular risk, but it is not as directly relevant to the primary evaluation and management of hypertension as the tests included in the correct option.

In summary, selecting renal vascular disease studies, chest X-ray, and ECG aligns with comprehensive guidelines for assessing and managing a patient with hypertension by considering both renal function and potential cardiac impact.