Management of hypertension and dyslipidemia

Cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of death in the United States and other developed societies, can be managed with intensive risk factor modification, including treatment of hypertension and dyslipidemia. Evidence for reduction of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality is summarized in evidence-based guidelines, primarily for hypertension in the Seventh Report of the Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation and Treatment of High Blood Pressure and for dyslipidemia in the Third Report of the National Cholesterol Education Program Expert Panel on Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Cholesterol in Adults. Many medications exist for treatment of hypertension and a limited number for dyslipidemia; the cornerstone of therapy for both remains lifestyle modification, including dietary interventions. Despite guidelines, control rates of concomitant hypertension and dyslipidemia remain low. Patient adherence may affect achievement of recommended goals of therapy for dyslipidemia and hypertension. Effective education and communication may improve overall achievement of treatment goals.