Hypertension remains the major treatable risk factor for premature cardiovascular disease, stroke, heart attach and heart failure. The need for more effective management of hypertension is even in developed societies such as the uk and the usa, few than one-third of hypertensive patients are being adequately treated. As a result, many hundreds of thousands of people are dying unnecessarily. Since the last edition of fast facts - hypertension was published 3 years ago, several important clinical trials have been published and new guidelines on how to manage high blood pressure have also been produced. This new edition which is up to date and concise should prove useful in the better management of this very common medical condition.
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
Norman M Kaplan MD, Professor of Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center Dallas, Texas, USA