RESISTANT HYPERTENSION

The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of resistant hype rtension in our unit and the frequency of its various causes. Of the 8 90 patients seen for the first time between January 1, 1993, and June 30, 1994, 257 were referred for hypertension. Of the 62 (24.1 %) patie nts referred for '' resistant hypertension'', only 25 met our criteria for resistance : blood pressure greater than or equal to 160 and/or 9 5 mmHg on the first visit to us without '' white-coat '' effect and at least two additive antihypertensive drugs at optimal doses. Of the 19 5 patients referred for other reasons, 10 met our criteria for resista nce. Thus, the prevalence of resistant hypertension is 13.5 %. A cause of resistant hypertension was found in 50 % of the patients referred for resistant hypertension, in 72.2 % of the patients who met our crit eria for resistance and in 84 % of the patients referred for resistant hypertension and who met our criteria for resistance.