[Guidelines for the management of hypertension in Japan]

Abstract

Hypertension is one of the most significant risk factors for cerebrovascular and heart diseases, which rank as the second and third most frequent causes of death in Japan. Two guidelines, Guidelines for the Management of Hypertension for General Practitioners(JSH2000) and Guideline for Treatment of Hypertension in the Elderly(2002 Revised Version), are currently available for treatment of hypertension in Japan. Both guidelines include indications for the treatment of hypertension, classification and evaluation of blood pressure(diagnosis), treatment strategy, modification of lifestyle and treatment with antihypertensive drugs. The guidelines are coming into clinical practice as useful references for the control and treatment of hypertension in Japan. They have advantages based on evidence from many recent studies in Japan and on consideration of the unique life style of Japanese, since the treatment guidelines for hypertension previously referenced are essentially guidelines for individuals in Western countries, primarily Caucasians. In Guideline for Treatment of Hypertension in the Elderly(2002 Revised Version), the opinions and criticisms of the Japanese hypertension experts are also incorporated. In future research, there is a need for further observational epidemiological studies and intervention trials in Japanese patients to provide direct evidence about the risks associated with blood pressure and other risk factors, as well as the antihypertensive drug effects.