title: Epidemiology of resistant hypertension.
abstract: Resistant hypertension is an entity that has gained a lot of attention in recent years. The prevalence and prognosis of resistant hypertension have not yet been examined by proper population studies, but data from several sources suggest that this entity is not uncommon and is associated with an elevated risk of hypertensive complications. Moreover, several factors and conditions that can interfere with blood pressure control such as excess sodium intake, obesity, diabetes, older age, kidney disease, and certain identifiable causes of hypertension were shown to be common among patients with resistance to antihypertensive treatment. Importantly, the prevalence of several of these conditions has been increasing continuously during the past years, suggesting a future increase in the frequency of resistant hypertension. This article will discuss current knowledge and associated future implications relevant to the epidemiology of resistant hypertension.
authors.affiliation: Section of Nephrology and Hypertension, 1st Department of Medicine, AHEPA Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece. psarafidis11@yahoo.gr
authors.forename: Pantelis A
authors.initials: PA
authors.lastname: Sarafidis
mesh_terms: D000959:Antihypertensive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001294:Attitude to Health; D001794:Blood Pressure / Q000187:drug effects; D001795:Blood Pressure Determination / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D004351:Drug Resistance; D016021:Epidemiologic Studies; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D008019:Life Style; D010349:Patient Compliance / Q000523:psychology*; D015995:Prevalence; D011379:Prognosis; D012307:Risk Factors
chemical_list: D000959:Antihypertensive Agents