ANTIHYPERTENSIVE THERAPY AND CORONARY-ART ERY DISEASE - THE ROLE OF INFLUENCING COEXISTING CARDIOVASCULAR RISK-FACTORS

Antihypertensive therapy as it was performed in the past has not provi ded the degree of protection against coronary heart disease as was ori ginally predicted by epidemiologic evidence. An improvement of outcome of antihypertensive therapy can only be achieved if coronary, risk is maximally reduced. Therefore, in treating hypertensive patients, one has to take care of a diligent search for the presence of other coexis ting coronary risk factors, of a vigorous use of life-style modificati ons (nondrug therapy), and of a greater individual selectivity of anti hypertensive agents for initial and chronic use, preferring those that may provide additional benefits for other coexisting coronary risks.