RT Book, Section 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 SR Print(0) ID 1191369495 T1 Epidemiology, Pathophysiology, and Treatment of Hypertension T2 Fuster and Hurst's The Heart, 15e YR 2022 FD 2022 PB McGraw-Hill Education PP New York, NY SN 9781264257560 LK accesscardiology.mhmedical.com/content.aspx?aid=1191369495 RD 2023/02/07 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.