[New requirements in the primary treatment of arterial hypertension: why do we need fixed low-dose combination...

The latest results of studies and therapeutic trials have shown the following: Present therapeutic strategies for arterial hypertension have a certain efficacy, but appear to have reached a plateau. Arterial hypertension essentially affects older subjects who can benefit from the advantages of antihypertensive treatment as much as, if not more than, younger subjects. A better evaluation of the cardiovascular risk of the patient is essential: This should include all the components of arterial hypertension (diastolic and systolic blood pressures and pulse pressure), risk factors, associated pathologies, and target-organ damage. Such an evaluation will help fix therapeutic objectives tailored to individual patientsí needs. The limitations of monotherapy in achieving this objective: They are demonstrated in clinical practise, as well as in large-scale trials. In this context, new strategies based on the first-line use of fixed very-low-dose combination therapies appear to be both useful and promising, as well as being in line with the latest recommendations.