What is relevant for general practice?
The latest guidelines aim to help improve the diagnosis and treatment of hypertension. This purpose is served by the following recommendations: Blood pressure values of 140/90 must already be considered to signal hypertension. Normotension in turn, is subdivided into optimal, normal and high-normal blood pressure. This is relevant in particular to certain high risk groups, for whom an appreciable lowering of blood pressure is associated with a further decrease in mortality. Particular attention is warranted in isolated systolic hypertension, which represents a cardiovascular risk that should not be underestimated. Every hypertensive should undergo a basic examination during which pointers to secondary hypertension must be investigated. Evidence-based, non-medication measures include weight reduction, salt restriction, reduction of alcohol use, and regular “endurance” exercise. The selection of antihypertensive drugs should be determined by concomitant diseases. All in all, the therapeu
