A Missed Opportunity: Our Failure to Control Hypertension Optimally

Abstract

At a time when we know from randomized trials that control of hypertension will reduce morbidity and mortality from all of its complications, only 27% of the 50 million hypertensives in the U.S. have their blood pressures controlled to less than 140/90 mm Hg. Reasons for this failure to control blood pressure are many and include reluctance to use multidrug regimens, particularly in combination tablets, and failure to set and pursue blood pressure goals which should be discussed in advance with the patient by explaining the risks of elevated blood pressure and the proven benefits of optimal control. (c)2000 by Le Jacq Communications, Inc.