Hypertension 2010: what was new for the cardiologist?
BACKGROUND
Despite extensive clinical research, still there is some uncertainty regarding management of hypertension, in particular initial and goal blood pressure levels and selection of optimal pharmacotherapy, as well as concomitant medications, to reduce other risk factors.


METHODS
An overview of recent findings from major clinical trials in hypertension (until July 2010), along with a reappraisal of the European Society of Hypertension 2009 guidelines.


RESULTS
Practical overview of the management of hypertension, including threshold and goal blood pressure in specific situations, choice of antihypertensive medications and indications for treatment of concomitant risk factors.


CONCLUSIONS
Primary benefits of antihypertensive therapy are mediated by blood pressure reduction and the majority of patients will require at least two drugs, with the preference of fixed-dose combinations for effective blood pressure control.
The Medical University of Warsaw, Department of Internal Medicine, Hypertension and Vascular Diseases, 1a Banacha Street, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland. zgaciong@hotmail.com
Zbigniew
Z
Gaciong
Bartosz
B
Symonides
D000818:Animals; D000959:Antihypertensive Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D001794:Blood Pressure / Q000187:drug effects*; D004338:Drug Combinations; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D012307:Risk Factors
D000959:Antihypertensive Agents; D004338:Drug Combinations