CHRONIC PYELONEPHRITIS AND ARTERIAL HYPERTENSION

Abstract

Essential hypertension, affecting approximately 95% of patients with chronic elevation of blood pressure, has no identifiable cause. Though still inadequately treated in most patients, it is one of the leading indications for the use of prescription drugs in the United States. Despite widespread recognition that its prevalence and harmful cardiovascular effects increase with age in both sexes, adequate blood pressure control remains elusive because essential hypertension is usually asymptomatic during the first 15-20 years. With time, the elevated arterial pressures damage the cardiovascular system, but asymptomatic hypertensive patients who feel well often refuse to take .... © 2007 Elsevier Inc.