Current concepts in the treatment of hypertension

In spite of the effective drug therapy available for hypertensive patients in general, economic and social considerations continue to influence the low rate of detection, treatment and control of hypertension in the population of the developing world. The Joint National Committee on the Detection, Evaluation and Treatment of High Blood Pressure stated that in 1993 age-adjusted stroke rates rose slightly and that the age-adjusted rate of decline for coronary heart disease appeared to be levelling. Furthermore, rates for the incidence of end-stage renal disease increased, with hypertension the second most common cause. The Report also stated that hypertension control rates did not improve (National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, NHANES III, Phase 1) from 1991 to 1994, and there were only 27% on control. These disturbing trends support the need to enhance public and professional education and to translate the results of research into improved health.