TY - CHAP M1 - Book, Section TI - Epidemiology, Pathophysiology, and Treatment of Hypertension A1 - Hall, Michael E. A1 - Hall, John E. A1 - Whelton, Paul K. A2 - Fuster, Valentin A2 - Narula, Jagat A2 - Vaishnava, Prashant A2 - Leon, Martin B. A2 - Callans, David J. A2 - Rumsfeld, John A2 - Poppas, Athena Y1 - 2022 N1 - T2 - Fuster and Hurst's The Heart, 15e AB - Chapter SummaryThis chapter reviews the epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment of hypertension. The worldwide prevalence of hypertension is increasing with an aging population and increased prevalence of overweight and obesity. Hypertension is one of the strongest risk factors for cardiovascular diseases (myocardial infarction, heart failure, atrial fibrillation, and stroke), kidney disease, dementia, and overall mortality. Modifiable risk factors for hypertension include poor diet, excessive sodium intake, reduced physical activity, excessive weight gain, and alcohol intake (see Fuster and Hurst’s Central Illustration). Strategies focused on lifestyle modifications provide the cornerstone for the treatment and prevention of hypertension, although medications are often required to control blood pressure adequately. Effective control of blood pressure clearly reduces the risk for cardiovascular, kidney and brain disease, and death. Despite the availability of effective and inexpensive medications to control blood pressure, worldwide hypertension control continues to be unsatisfactory, with control rates in the United States <50% and as low as 8% to 14% in low- and middle-income countries. Unrecognized hypertension, patient nonadherence, and clinician inertia perpetuate this problem. Recent clinical trials indicate that blood pressure targets should be even lower than recommended in previous hypertension guidelines for more effective reduction of cardiovascular disease risk. Patient engagement in the treatment plan, home blood pressure monitoring (HBPM), and telehealth strategies may help improve hypertension control rates. SN - PB - McGraw-Hill Education CY - New York, NY Y2 - 2023/02/07 UR - accesscardiology.mhmedical.com/content.aspx?aid=1191369495 ER -