Fast Facts: Hypertension

Hypertension is a highly treatable risk factor for cardiovascular disease, yet it remains underdiagnosed, undertreated and, in many cases, poorly controlled. Sometimes dubbed 'the silent killer', hypertension rarely produces symptoms until it manifests as a heart attack or stroke. Early identification of the condition by routine blood pressure measurement and appropriate ongoing management are therefore vital.

In this updated fifth edition of Fast Facts: Hypertension, two authors of international renown provide a practical evidence-based approach to the diagnosis and management of the condition. The book provides a thorough overview of hypertension, covering:

• Accurate measurement of blood pressure and problems such as 'white-coat' hypertension
• Routine assessments for people with high blood pressure
• Consideration of other modifiable risk factors - smoking, high cholesterol levels, etc.
• Non-pharmacological measures that doctors can advise on - reduce salt, lose weight, increase physical activity, etc.
• Up-to-date trial results on all the pharmacological options
• Special considerations for the treatment of children, pregnant women, the elderly and patients with diabetes.

Primary care physicians have a leading role to play in screening for hypertension and ensuring that patients receive the most appropriate treatment. Fast Facts: Hypertension provides a concise readable refresher on this common and potentially devastating condition.

Contents

• The dangers of raised blood pressure
• Causes
• Investigation
• When to treat
• How to treat
• Special patient groups
• Uncontrolled hypertension
• Useful resources

Graham A MacGregor FAHA FRCP, Professor of Cardiovascular Medicine, Wolfson Institute of Preventive Medicine, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry London, UK

Michael Stowasser MBBS FRACP PhD, Professor of Medicine, Hypertension Unit, University of Queensland School of Medicine, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, Australia