[Antihypertensive therapy and prevention of hypertensive complications]

Abstract

Arterial hypertension is one of the most important risk factors for the high cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. The efficacy of treatment is undisputed in patients with severe or accelerated hypertension. For the majority of patients suffering from mild to moderate hypertension the usefulness of treatment is not as well established although the potential benefit would be greatest. In this group the reduction of cerebrovascular complications has been demonstrated whereas reduction of morbidity and mortality for ischemic heart disease has remained controversial, indicating that reduction of blood pressure alone may not sufficiently reduce the risk for coronary complications. In contrast to cerebrovascular disease ischemic heart disease depends probably on several risk factors other than hypertension. For prevention of ischemic heart disease these other factors therefore need to be considered extensively.