[Detection, evaluation and treatment of arterial hypertension]

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a clinical disorder, which if left untreated, results in premature cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Its prevalence in industrialized countries is of such a magnitude as to warrant its designation as a public health problem. There are documented efficacious interventions which when implemented, significantly reduce morbidity and mortality. It is, therefore, reasonable to establish guidelines for the detection, evaluation and treatment of high blood pressure so that susceptible population groups can have care for their hypertension provided in a standardized fashion.