The Control of Arterial Hypertension: Epidemiological and Economic Challenge

Aldo      Leone; Emilio      Centaro; Aurelio      Leone

doi:10.2174/157340212800840726

Abstract

Hypertension is one of the major risk factors for cardiovascular disease and fatal or non-fatal cardiac and cerebrovascular complications. Kidney and retina are also target organs of blood pressure rise. Progressive changes in the definition of hypertension have occurred in the years and blood pressure 130/85 mm Hg is considered as normal.

Ischaemic heart disease, particularly myocardial infarction, often unrecognized, as well as stroke and transient ischaemic attack may be observed more frequently than other disorders in hypertensive patients.

Conducted large-scale trials do not support the hypothesis that effective benefits are reached by current nonpharmacological or pharmacological prevention although some different opinions exist.

Lowering blood pressure is, however, the main target to reach for reducing cardiovascular complications in hypertensive patients, in anyway that can be obtained. So doing, the ratio cost-benefit could be improved with a reduction of the costs supported by public health for hypertensive individuals.

Keywords: Blood Pressure Control, Clinical Trials, Costs, Epidemiological findings, Hypertension, Public Health

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