Hypertension and the vascular patient

Abstract

Hypertension is intricately entwined in vascular pathology and morbidity and uncontrolled blood pressure is a leading cause of cardiovascular mortality. Unfortunately, many patients will present to the vascular surgeon with uncontrolled blood pressure elevation and yet, although vascular surgeons have been involved in treating the renovascular etiology, they seldom become actively involved in the medical management of hypertension. However, positive reinforcement by the vascular surgeon about the benefits of blood pressure control may significantly impact the patient's willingness to comply with medications. Some of these medications may also have secondary benefits such as reducing the incidence of diabetes. Accordingly modern vascular surgeons, who want to do more for their patients, need to have a basic understanding of hypertension and its treatment. This manuscript provides an overview of the modern definitions and treatment methods for primary hypertension that should provide the vascular surgeon with sufficient information to play an active role in the management of this co-morbid condition.