Hypertension

Abstract

Hypertension is a common disease that contributes importantly to the high cardiovascular morbidity and mortality observed in industrialized countries. The proper diagnosis and management of this disorder affords considerable reduction of the risk of developing cardiac, cerebral, and renal complications. Approximately 95% of patients with high blood pressure exhibit the so-called essential or primary form of hypertension. Various mechanisms are involved in the pathogenesis of this type of hypertension. This heterogeneity accounts for the diverse therapeutic approaches that have been utilized and for the rationale for individualizing treatment programs. In a small fraction of patients, the elevation of blood pressure is due to a specific cause (secondary hypertension). The recognition of such patients has improved markedly in recent years. This is relevant since secondary hypertension can often be cured by appropriate interventions.